bodhidharma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low. Used primarily in religious, historical, philosophical, and martial arts contexts.Formal, academic, specialist.
Quick answer
What does “bodhidharma” mean?
A semi-legendary Buddhist monk traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China and as the first patriarch of Chinese Zen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A semi-legendary Buddhist monk traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China and as the first patriarch of Chinese Zen.
Refers to the historical/mythological figure, his teachings, and associated cultural artifacts (e.g., Bodhidharma dolls, paintings). In martial arts contexts, he is often linked to the origins of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The term is specialized and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries connotations of asceticism, profound meditation, spiritual transmission, and foundational authority within Zen lineages.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both regional Englishes, confined to specific discourse communities.
Grammar
How to Use “bodhidharma” in a Sentence
According to [source], Bodhidharma...The legend holds that Bodhidharma [past tense verb]...Bodhidharma is said to have [past participle]...Bodhidharma, who [relative clause]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bodhidharma” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Bodhidharma-style meditation
- a Bodhidharma-esque intensity
American English
- Bodhidharma-inspired practice
- a Bodhidharma-like focus
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, East Asian studies, and philosophy papers discussing Zen origins.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be mentioned in conversation about martial arts history or meditation practices.
Technical
Used precisely within Buddhist studies and Zen liturgical contexts to refer to the patriarchal lineage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bodhidharma”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bodhidharma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bodhidharma”
- Misspelling: 'Bodidharma', 'Bodhidarma'.
- Mispronunciation: placing stress on the first syllable ('BO-dhidharma') instead of the third.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a bodhidharma') instead of a proper name.
- Confusing him with Buddha or other Buddhist figures.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Scholars debate this. He is a semi-legendary figure; a historical monk likely existed, but many stories about him are later mythologizations.
A popular legend claims Bodhidharma developed exercises for the weak Shaolin monks, which later evolved into Kung Fu. This story is not historically verified but is deeply ingrained in martial arts folklore.
It refers to Bodhidharma's legendary practice of meditating while facing a wall for nine years. It symbolizes turning attention inward, away from external phenomena, to perceive one's true nature.
Yes and no. 'Daruma' is the Japanese name for Bodhidharma. More specifically, a 'Daruma doll' is a Japanese tumbler doll modeled on his iconic seated meditation pose, symbolizing perseverance.
A semi-legendary Buddhist monk traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China and as the first patriarch of Chinese Zen.
Bodhidharma is usually formal, academic, specialist. in register.
Bodhidharma: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbəʊ.diˈdɑː.mə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌboʊ.diˈdɑːr.mə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to face the wall like Bodhidharma (to meditate with intense concentration)”
- “a Bodhidharma's eyebrow (something paradoxical or enigmatic in Zen teaching)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Bodhi-DHARMA: Remember 'Bodhi' means 'awakening' in Sanskrit, and 'Dharma' means 'teaching' or 'law'. He is the one who brought the teaching of awakening.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODHIDHARMA IS A FOUNDATION / SOURCE (e.g., 'All Zen streams flow from Bodhidharma'). BODHIDHARMA IS A WALL (representing impermeability to distraction, a boundary between confusion and enlightenment).
Practice
Quiz
What is Bodhidharma most commonly associated with?