22 Quotes & Sayings By Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma, also known as Bodhisattva of the Word, was a Buddhist master of the 5th century. His teachings are widely known in Japan, China and Korea.

But people of the deepest understanding look within, distracted by...
1
But people of the deepest understanding look within, distracted by nothing. Since a clear mind is the Buddha, they attain the understanding of a Buddha without using the mind. Bodhidharma
2
Not thinking about anything is Zen. Once you know this, walking, sitting, or lying down, everything you do is Zen. Bodhidharma
3
A Buddha doesn’t observe precepts. A Buddha doesn’t do good or evil. A Buddha isn’t energetic or lazy. A Buddha is someone who does nothing, someone who can’t even focus his mind on a Buddha. A Buddha isn’t a Buddha. Don’t think about Buddhas. Bodhidharma
4
Buddha means awareness, the awareness of body and mind that prevents evil from arising in either. Bodhidharma
5
If you use your mind to study reality, you won't understand either your mind or reality. If you study reality without using your mind, you'll understand both. Bodhidharma
6
Freeing oneself from words is liberation. Bodhidharma
7
If we should be blessed by some great reward, such as fame or fortune, it's the fruit of a seed planted by us in the past. Bodhidharma
8
Not engaging in ignorance is wisdom. Bodhidharma
9
A Buddha is someone who finds freedom in good fortune and bad. Bodhidharma
10
To go from mortal to Buddha, you have to put an end to karma, nurture your awareness, and accept what life brings. Bodhidharma
11
People of this world are deluded. They’re always longing for something-always, in a word, seeking. But the wise wake up. They choose reason over custom. They fix their minds on the sublime and let their bodies change with the seasons. All phenomena are empty. They contain nothing worth desiring. Bodhidharma
12
The mind is the root from which all things grow if you can understand the mind, everything else is included. It’s like the root of a tree. All a tree’s fruit and flowers, branches and leaves depend on its root. If you nourish its root, a tree multiplies. If you cut its root, it dies. Those who understand the mind reach enlightenment with minimal effort. Bodhidharma
13
But deluded people don't realize that their own mind is the Buddha. They keep searching outside. Bodhidharma
14
All know the way few actually walk it. Bodhidharma
15
But while success and failure depend on conditions, the mind neither waxes nor wanes. Bodhidharma
16
Our nature is the mind. And the mind is our nature. Bodhidharma
17
Only one person in a million becomes enlightened without a teacher's help. Bodhidharma
18
Life and death are important. Don't suffer them in vain. Bodhidharma
19
Worship means reverence and humility it means revering your real self and humbling delusions. Bodhidharma
20
People who don't see their nature and imagine they can practice thoughtlessness all the time are lairs and fools. Bodhidharma
21
The ignorant mind, with its infinite afflictions, passions, and evils, is rooted in the three poisons. Greed, anger, and delusion. Bodhidharma