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Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma, Kung Fu, and My Journey - Ramdas Iyer's Global Travels

Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma, Kung Fu, and My Journey - Ramdas Iyer's Global Travels

Gazing at the stunning temple at the base of the Songshan Mountain range in Henan province, southeast of Luoyang, I had finally reached a destination I had longed to see for many years. I was captivated by the legendary Shaolin temple, known as the residence of the renowned Indian monk Bodhidharma, who is credited with founding Zen Buddhism and the martial art of Kung Fu. The temple's historic architectural complex, notable for its significant aesthetic appeal and deep cultural meanings, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After completing my usual photographic exploration of the temple, I settled in front of a statue of Bodhidharma and entered into deep meditation. As a practitioner of transcendental meditation, I found it effortless to transition into dhyana, despite the distractions of occasional tourists wandering through the temple, which is predominantly recognized by the public as the birthplace of Kung Fu martial arts. My personal link to this temple, shared with many fellow individuals from my home state of Tamil Nadu, India, stems from the great Bodhidharma himself, who arrived from our city of Kanchipuram in 520 AD to introduce Mahayana Buddhism to China. He spent nine years living in the Shaolin temple, and I plan to share his story through the perspective of Tsutomu Kambe (a former physics professor at the University of Tokyo), drawing from his book 'Bodhi Dharma and Oceanic Silk Road.' I have long wished to write about the esteemed Bodhidharma for my blog readership since my visit to these regions in 2003. Ensuring safety is always a priority for me when exploring remote areas.

Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma, Kung Fu, and My Journey - Ramdas Iyer's Global Travels

Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma, Kung Fu, and My Journey - Ramdas Iyer's Global Travels

Gazing at the stunning temple nestled at the base of the Songshan Mountain range in Henan province, southeast of Luoyang, I had finally reached a destination I had dreamed of visiting for many years. I found myself captivated by the legendary Shaolin temple, renowned as the residence of the esteemed Indian monk Bodhidharma, who is recognized as the founder of Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu martial arts. The temple's historical architectural complex, notable for its remarkable aesthetic appeal and deep cultural significance, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After capturing my usual photographs of the temple, I settled in front of a statue of Bodhidharma and entered a state of deep meditation. As a practitioner of transcendental meditation, it was easy for me to transition into dhyana, despite the occasional noise from tourists wandering around the temple, primarily known to the general public as the birthplace of Kung Fu. My personal connection to this temple, shared with many of my fellow natives from my home state of Tamil Nadu, India, is through the great Bodhidharma, who journeyed from our city of Kanchipuram in 520 AD to promote Mahayana Buddhism in China. He spent nine years residing in the Shaolin temple, and I plan to share his story as recounted by Tsutomu Kambe, a former Physics Professor at the University of Tokyo, in his book 'Bodhi Dharma and Oceanic Silk Road.' I have long desired to write about the remarkable Bodhidharma for my blog readers ever since my visit to this region in 2003.

Shanghai lifestyle, Shanghai girl - Hectic weekend

Shanghai lifestyle, Shanghai girl - Hectic weekend

Nearly every weekend was filled with an exam. There were entrance exams for international high schools, PE assessments for middle school graduates (which my daughter excelled in, scoring full marks in all), and mock exams for subjects like English, Chemistry, and Physics, among others.

Hot spring located north of Guangzhou - No Permanent Location

Hot spring located north of Guangzhou - No Permanent Location

15.03.2025 - 15.03.2025

CANTON FAIR - No Permanent Location

CANTON FAIR - No Permanent Location

I can't recall when I first learned about the Canton Fair, but I finally had the chance to attend as a "buyer." I had to bend the truth a bit and claim I was shopping for electronics to bring back to Canada. It's an enormous trade event that takes place three times a year in Guangzhou. When I attended, it was the electronics segment. I went on another river cruise and then returned to the hostel. A German guy generously shared his Lithuanian vodka with me, and I ended up a little intoxicated. When I returned to the room, I caused quite a stir upon seeing all the clutter on the table that I wanted to discuss with them. I scattered their belongings throughout the room, and they called the police. I stayed up all night and left for home in the morning. I received a refund for that terrible hostel (Lazy Gaga hostel; avoid it, as it is filled with homeless individuals rather than backpackers).

A type of museum dedicated to rocks and minerals - No Permanent Location

A type of museum dedicated to rocks and minerals - No Permanent Location

05.04.2025 - 05.04.2025 20 degrees Celsius

Sunac World and Circus - Unspecified Location

Sunac World and Circus - Unspecified Location

04.04.2025 - 04.04.2025 20 °C

Lingnan Impressions and Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise - Without a Permanent Location

Lingnan Impressions and Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise - Without a Permanent Location

29.03.2025 - 29.04.2025 18 °C

Guangzhou Zoo and Ocean World - Address Not Specified

Guangzhou Zoo and Ocean World - Address Not Specified

28.03.2025 - 28.03.2025 20 °C

ByHealth Factory Visit - No Permanent Location

ByHealth Factory Visit - No Permanent Location

04.03.2025 - 04.03.2025 22°C

Mom pays a visit - No Permanent Address

Mom pays a visit - No Permanent Address

Foreigner Familiarization Trip in Jiangsu - No Permanent Residence

Foreigner Familiarization Trip in Jiangsu - No Permanent Residence

20.06.2024 - 24.06.2024 22 °C

All About China: Culture, Travel, and Modern Life in the Middle Kingdom

Welcome to our blog dedicated to China—a captivating nation where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge innovation. Here, you’ll discover immersive articles on Chinese culture, cuisine, iconic landmarks, and everyday life in both sprawling metropolises and peaceful rural regions. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or simply curious about this remarkable country, we aim to provide fresh insights and practical guidance.

Our blog covers a wide range of topics, from travel tips—such as navigating the visa process and planning your itinerary—to exploring must-see destinations like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and dynamic cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Food enthusiasts will enjoy our deep dive into Chinese gastronomy, sampling everything from savory street snacks to timeless classics like Peking duck.

We also shine a spotlight on modern China, examining its fast-paced technological advancements, burgeoning e-commerce, and forward-thinking architecture. Through firsthand experiences and expert commentary, we hope to bring you closer to the real China—its festivals, customs, and vibrant energy. Join us on this journey, and uncover the fascinating layers of history, innovation, and cultural diversity that make China truly unforgettable!