Bodhidharma: All phenomena are empty

Bodhidharma (Damo: Chinese pronunciation; 菩提達摩) is the greatest master for both Zen teaching and martial arts. Born in South India and journeyed to China in order to spreading the Buddhism doctrines during the 5th century.

His well-known practice of Zen is wall-glazing (璧觀). Understanding cause and effect, catering to circumstance of life, seeking nothing, and thinking of all natures in pure are four teachings Bodhidharma comprehended over nine year of wall-glazing in Shaolin Monastery. He preached Zen to help people, who turn from delusion back to reality, seek the nature of own minds.

Among all Buddhist art, Bodhidharma (Damo) is normally portrayed in an image of profusely bearded, bulging eyes, solemn expression and in loosely monk robe. A Damo statue seated in meditation (Zazen打坐) is the favourite theme of mine. The great Master Dogen said, "To study the Buddha teaching is to study the self, to study the self is to forget the self, and to forget the self is to be enlightened by the ten thousand things." This also reminds me of one of Damo’s teaching “All phenomena are empty”. Again, seeking or thinking nothing is the step to free yourself from stressful lives and to create an oasis of calm for mind and soul.

If you have interests with placing a Bodhidharma statue in your living room, please feel free to contact me at orient.corner@hotmail.com.tw

Bodhidharma in meditation
靜思達摩
20cm (W) x 19cm (L) x 37cm (H)
Cast ironstone

達摩東來 Bodhidharma left for east

22cm (W) x 20 (L) x 45 (H)

cast ironcore stone

Sacred art supplying a great source of inspiration for real life

Placing Buddha statues or related decoration is a convenient way to own Zen atmosphere in your house. Buddha art not only influences people whom formally dedicated to Buddhism but it also inspires you to think over the truth of existence.



More and more contemporary artists have made use of Buddhist themes into their design and works. Ingenious skill and exquisite workmanship are required for building Buddha figures. The part of face and hands are most critical section which particularly determines a work successful or not. With eyes calmly shut and a tranquil smile across his face, Buddha statue lead you into the peaceful and meditative moment.

Buddhist art provides a great source of inspiration thinking Buddha’s teachings and seeking the meaning of life. It shouldn’t only show in the museum's collection. Buddhist art should be well represented in the real living space.

if you are interested with these Buddhist artworks, please feel free to let me know:

orient.corner@hotmail.com.tw