Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th/6th century, is revered for introducing Zen to China through the Shaolin monastery, which became the birthplace of Zen in China. Born into Indian royalty, he became a monk and traveled through Southeast Asia, possibly arriving in China in the early part of the 5th century. He was the 28th Patriarch of Buddhism, in a line extending back to the Buddha himself.
Bodhidharma’s association with Shaolin is legendary and some popular accounts credit him with introducing a series of exercises to the Shaolin monks that evolved into their renowned fighting skills. The Lotus flower, one of the emblems of the Shaolin Temple, is indicative of the Zen spirit by which Dharma was able to enter a meditative state that excluded all outside influences from the mind, allowing a clear insight into reality.
The graceful Shaolin Darhma Sword is truly representative of the spirit of Bodhidharma. The forged, high carbon steel blade is decorated with lotus patterns, which also form the theme of the intricately-worked handle and scabbard fittings. The handle and scabbard are traditionally crafted in bamboo.