REL 101 Class notes, Week 5, Lectures 2-3, Week 6 Lectures 1-2

450-550 CE: Bodhidharma, founder of Chan (Zen) Buddhism

Zen Buddhism: Bodhidharma

1. Chan/Zen Buddhism: Historical Background
   • Chinese Philosophical Schools
   • Legend of Bodhidharma
2. Zen as the Meditation School
3. Bodhidharma's Zen Buddhist Thought
   • Encouter with Emperor Wu - "Nothing holy whatsoever, there is only vast emptiness"
   • Transmitting the Dharma Seal - Four disciples and "attaining the marrow"