Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, left behind wisdom that still resonates today. His teachings cut through illusions and point straight to the truth. Whether you’re looking for peace, clarity, or motivation, his words offer timeless guidance. Let’s explore some of his most powerful quotes.
Bodhidharma on Self-Realization
Bodhidharma believed true wisdom comes from within. Here’s what he had to say:
🔹 “To find a Buddha, you have to see your nature.”
🔹 “Not engaging in ignorance is wisdom.”
🔹 “The ignorant mind, with its infinite afflictions, is like a monkey.”
🔹 “If you use your mind to study reality, you won’t understand either.”
🔹 “The Way is basically perfect. It doesn’t require perfecting.”
Ever tried to force understanding? Bodhidharma reminds us that wisdom isn’t something we chase—it’s already there.
Bodhidharma on Truth and Illusion
He often spoke about seeing past deception:
🔹 “The ultimate truth is beyond words.”
🔹 “All know the way; few actually walk it.”
🔹 “If you see your mind, you see the Buddha.”
🔹 “The mind is the root from which all things grow.”
🔹 “Words are illusions.”
Why do we complicate things? The truth is simple—but our minds love to overthink.
Bodhidharma on Discipline and Effort
Zen isn’t passive. It demands action:
🔹 “A thousand-mile journey starts with one step.”
🔹 “If you don’t find a teacher soon, you’ll live this life in vain.”
🔹 “The foolish reject what they see, not what they think.”
🔹 “If you do not suffer for the truth, you suffer for nothing.”
🔹 “When you’re hungry, eat. When you’re tired, sleep.”
Effort matters, but so does simplicity. Are you making things harder than they need to be?
Bodhidharma on Letting Go
Attachment leads to suffering. Here’s how Bodhidharma saw it:
🔹 “Letting go is freedom.”
🔹 “If you seek happiness outside yourself, you’ll never find it.”
🔹 “The Great Way isn’t difficult for those who don’t pick and choose.”
🔹 “When you’re not attached to anything, you become everything.”
🔹 “The moment you stop clinging, you become free.”
What are you holding onto that’s weighing you down?
Bodhidharma on Meditation and Stillness
Silence reveals more than noise ever could:
🔹 “To know nothing is to understand everything.”
🔹 “The mind should be stable like a wall.”
🔹 “When the mind stops moving, it enters the state of Zen.”
🔹 “Outside of mind, there’s no Buddha.”
🔹 “If you quiet your mind, you’ll see the truth.”
Stillness isn’t empty—it’s full of answers.
Final Thoughts
Bodhidharma’s words cut through distractions and point straight to the heart of wisdom. His teachings remind us that truth isn’t complicated—we just make it that way. (1, 2, 3)
Which quote speaks to you the most? Drop it in the comments and share how it changed your perspective. 🚀
