One of the most unexpected experiences I had in Changzhou was to stumble upon Bodhidharma while visiting the Tianning Temple. Sometimes, some unplanned journeys bring you to a message or show you something. I was walking in the temple when I came across a statue of a monk meditating. But what caught my attention was that he didn’t look Chinese. Unfortunately the signs and inscriptions in this temple were all in Chinese and I could not find what who he was. But I asked around and the locals told me that he was called Bodhidharma. According to Wiki, Bodhidharma was a South Indian monk who travelled to China in 420 and helped to spread Buddhism to China. I think this was the information I was brought to receive that day. Was that all or was there more to it? I don’t know. I guess I will find out in my life. But for now may the Almighty Buddha Bless His Soul.
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