Kung Fu and Buddhism

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Did you know that a south Indian philosopher introduced martial arts to the Shaolin temple?

His name was Bodhi Dharma or Daruma or Damo.

He carried an south eastern version of Kalari Payattu to Japan and China. He also spread Buddhism there. He also taught martial arts to the monks in the Shaolin temple. They needed it for self defence as they lived in the forests, amid wild animals and were frequently attacked by thieves.

That is how non violent Buddhism became equated with warrior monks in 'kung fu' films.

Damo dolls are sold in Japan and are thought to bring luck.

Comments

kanthi said…
Damo full name is damodhar and is from india.
20/4/09 9:26 AM
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