Bodhidharma, also known as Daruma in Japanese, was a Buddhist monk who is credited as the founder of Zen Buddhism. He is believed to have lived during the 5th or 6th century CE and his teachings had a profound impact on the development of Zen Buddhism in China and later in Japan.

Despite his significant role in the spread of Zen Buddhism, the exact details of Bodhidharma's life and origins remain a topic of debate and speculation. According to traditional accounts, Bodhidharma was born in Kanchipuram, a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He was born into a Brahmin family and was originally named Bodhitara. His father was a king and Bodhidharma was trained in the traditional Hindu practices and philosophies.

However, as he grew older, Bodhidharma developed a strong interest in Buddhism and decided to renounce his royal lifestyle to become a monk. He traveled to the famous Nalanda University in present-day Bihar, India, to study under the renowned Buddhist scholar Prajnatara. Bodhidharma was known to be a diligent student and quickly mastered the teachings of Buddhism.

After completing his studies, Bodhidharma embarked on a journey to spread the teachings of Buddhism. He traveled to various parts of India and even ventured into Central Asia and Persia. However, it was his journey to China that would make him one of the most influential figures in the history of Buddhism.

According to legend, Bodhidharma arrived in China during the Liang dynasty and was welcomed by Emperor Wu, who was a devout Buddhist. The Emperor asked Bodhidharma to teach him about Buddhism, but Bodhidharma refused, stating that the Emperor's understanding of Buddhism was limited. This bold act earned Bodhidharma the Emperor's disapproval, and he was forced to leave the palace.

Bodhidharma then traveled to the Shaolin Monastery in Henan province, where he meditated in a cave for nine years. During this time, he developed a new form of Buddhism that would later be known as Zen. This form of Buddhism focused on meditation and direct experience, rather than relying on scriptures and rituals.

Today, Bodhidharma is revered as the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism and his teachings have had a lasting impact on the development of Buddhism in China and Japan. While his exact birthplace and early life remain shrouded in mystery, it is clear that Bodhidharma's journey from India to China played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism and the development of Zen as a distinct school of thought.