The influence of Daruma Daishi: From the origins of Zen to the present day

A guide to mental healing and self-exploration

Bodhidaruma, commonly known as "Daruma Daishi," is an important figure in the spiritual culture of the East, and many people will feel their deep influence when they hear its name.。

He was a legendary monk from South India (South Tianzhu) who lived in the late 4th century to the middle of the 6th century, and was the founder of the Chinese Zen Buddhism, and his teachings are deeply rooted in a wide range of fields to this day.

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Green

His life is shrouded in mystery, and as many legends and anecdotes are passed down simply to the boundaries of Buddhism, his teachings continue to have a wide-ranging influence in the realm of spiritual training, martial arts and even modern self-development.

The existence of Daruma Daishi continues to inspire many people today as a universal symbol of human internal growth and transformation beyond merely as a religious leader.

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From India to China - A tactician

The story of Daruma Daishi begins when he was born as a prince of the kingdom of Koshikoku, India.

From an early age, he had an extraordinary intelligence and insight. When he was seven years old, he met a high-ranking priest named Hannyataro, which was a major change in his life. Through this encounter, he was determined to pursue a path that deeply explores human nature and truth.

Hana

Hana

After that, I spent more than 40 years of rigorous training, facing my inner self and gaining a deep understanding of Buddhism's teachings. Then, he realizes his mission to promote Mahayana Buddhism and is destined to travel to mainland China.

At that time, Daruma Daishi was reportedly over 120 years old, but his passion and strong will, which did not affect his age, supported his actions.

Hana

Hana

This epic journey was the first step in spreading his teachings and an important turning point for passing on his legacy to future generations.

Footprints in China: Dialogue with Emperor Wu of Liang and the birth of Zen

After Daruma Daishi arrived in China, he held a historical dialogue with the then Emperor Wu, Emperor of Liang.。

This dialogue has extremely important implications for understanding the core teachings of Zen Buddhism. Emperor Wu emphasized his achievements, such as replicating temples and scriptures he built, and asked Daruma how great his merits were.

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Brown

However, Daruma responded in a simple way, "mukudoku." This phrase rejects the concept of merit through secular deeds and shows Daruma's deep belief that inner enlightenment is the true goal of Buddhism.

Emperor Wu was deeply shocked by Daruma's answer, and a ideological conflict emerged between them. Then Daruma leaves the palace and ends up looking for a place to train himself. This event highlights the peculiarity of Zen Buddhism and symbolizes the Zen spirit that seeks liberation from secular values.

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"Nine Years of Face Wall" at Shaolin Temple - The Road to Self-Transcence

After leaving the court, Daruma Daishi decided to stay at Shorinji Temple in Songsan, Henan Province.

There he spent nine years working hard on meditation. This training, known as "Nine Years of the Morning Wall," was a study in which Daruma worked in Zen meditation towards the wall of the temple, blocking out all stimuli from the outside world, exploring the essence of his own.

Pon

Pon

There are legendary stories about this period of time that caused his arms and legs to become motionless or rotten as a result of extremely concentrated meditation, but these anecdotes symbolically speak to the ultimate patience for enlightenment and the importance of self-transcendence.

This training was not just a test of physical endurance, but also a test of overcoming mental limits and experiencing the true essence of oneself.

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Martial arts traditions at Shaolin Temple, harmony between spirit and body

It is also said that at Shaolin Temple, Daruma Daishi taught the basics of martial arts to monks.

He emphasized the idea that the mind and body are one, and by combining meditation and physical training, he said that the physical abilities of the monks who were feeling weakened were improving.

It is believed that this teaching later became the basis of Shaolin Kempo and had a major influence on Chinese martial arts as a whole.

Hayashi

Fukutomi Kazutaka

Martial arts are not just a way to train the body, but also to train the mind and cultivate self-control, and are thought to be deeply connected to Zen teachings.

"Theory of 2-in-four-lines" - Practical Zen teachings

Daruma Daishi wrote "Ninyushigyoron," a work that is known as a culmination of Zen practice.

This theory teaches how to reach an enlightenment through two approaches: "rigin" (doctrinal and theoretical understanding) and "gyonyū" (practicing with action).

Hayashi

1. "Synopsis" means uniting the mind and realizing the truth through meditation in order to deepen understanding of the nature of the self and the universe.
   
2. "Yoin" refers to the reflection of this understanding in concrete actions in daily life. These two are essential wheels in Zen practice, and they teach that balanced practice is important.

"Line" can be further divided into four practices:

1. Hoongyō - To not obsess with pain or painful events, accept them as a result of past karma and have a heart to be grateful. This practice encourages people to calmly accept and learn from past actions, rather than to embrace resentment or hatred.
   
2. Zuiengyō - Accepting events that occur as fate in this world as a natural flow and not being able to go up or down. This practice aims to remain calm in a ever-changing world, rather than being attached to events that occur.
   
3. Mushogugyo: Don't be bound by worldly desires or desires, and not pursue unnecessary things. This practice aims to be free from material desires and attachments and to maintain peace of mind.
   
4. Shohogyo: Understanding the truth that all phenomena are changing (impermanence) and that nothing lasts forever, and living according to Buddhism. This practice encourages people to live a truth-based lifestyle without fear of change.
   
5. It shows that Daruma's Zen is not just a spiritual training program, but is a practical philosophy that has a major impact on everyday life itself. Zen teachings are consciously practiced in daily life, and are a guide to promoting self-growth and living a richer life.

Daruma's position in Zen Buddhism, unique teachings and inheritance

The Zen Buddhism established by Daruma Daishi is based on four doctrines: "furyomonji," "kyogebetsuden," "jikishinshin," and "developmental attainment of Buddhahood."

Hayashi

1. "Untarimoji" places emphasis on teachings that are not bound by words or letters, and encourages people to achieve enlightenment through individual experiences rather than relying solely on Buddhist scriptures. "Intra-Kyoto" is the idea that Buddhist teachings are transmitted directly from the teacher to the disciple, not through words or letters.
   
2. "The "Now Sword Heart" aims to directly point to the essence of a person's mind and to make them realize the truth. "Perspective Attainment" means that by realizing your own true nature, you can become a Buddha (a person who has become enlightened).
   
3. The famous episode of Eka, who became a disciple, symbolizes the strictness of Daruma Daishi. The story of Keika cutting off his arms and showing his determination to ask Daruma for direct teaching shows that Zen paths are not easy. this

Fukutomi Kazutaka

The anecdotes show that in order to pursue the Zen path, one needs moderate determination and strong will.

The legend of tea, "daruma" dolls, culture and faith

A legend relating to Daruma Daishi's Zen training is that he cut off his own eyelids to prevent sleepiness during long meditation.

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George

The theory that the cut-off eyelids fell on the ground and became tea trees, which became the origin of tea today symbolizes the deep connection between Zen and tea.

It is believed that through this legend, the custom of monks drinking tea during meditation was born. Tea has become an important tool for maintaining focus during meditation and has been deeply connected to Zen practice.

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George

In Japan, the "Daruma" doll, modeled after Daruma Daishi, was born. This doll has the ability to wake up even if it falls due to its round shape, and symbolizes the life lesson of "falling seven and eight times."

It is still widely loved as a talisman for praying for happiness, success, and passing exams, and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Daruma dolls are popular among many people as being a source of courage to face difficulties and encourage them to achieve their goals.

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The contemporary meaning of Daruma's spiritual world: Self-exploration and peace of mind

The teachings and practices of Daruma Daishi are not merely relics of the past. Zazen, self-examining meditation methods, and thinking methods to overcome anxiety and desires are gaining attention as a way to relieve the stress and mental confusion that people living in modern society face.

The process that led to his "munemousness" continues to function as an eternal guide for many to deepen their self-awareness and pursue peace of mind. Diving deep inside the self and facing the true self is becoming increasingly important in modern society.

Daruma Daishi's legacy has been studied and practiced all over the world, including Japan, China, and Korea, and its influence extends to a wide range of fields, including religion, martial arts, lifestyle habits, philosophical thinking, and self-development.

The life and teachings of Daruma Daishi are still a shining guidepost for all those who are transcending time and challenging themselves in self-exploration. His teachings will also be effective in modern society and will serve as a compass to lead a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.