Meaning & story
Bodhidharma — turning attention inward
A patriarch in the Chan tradition
Bodhidharma is traditionally revered as a patriarch associated with transmitting Chan Buddhism to China. Accounts of him emphasise practice and direct reflection on one’s own mind in the pursuit of awakening. Many details of his life have been handed down as religious lore.
Wall-facing meditation and dedication
The account of Bodhidharma meditating before a wall for nine years is a well-known image of dedication. A meditation statue invites reflection on perseverance, awareness of distraction, and returning attention to the task at hand.
Strength in stillness
The subject suggests inner strength cultivated through discipline, taking time for self-understanding, and acting thoughtfully. In a meditation room, study, or workplace, it can offer a quiet reminder of focus and persistence.
