EPISODE · May 2, 2026 · 5 MIN
Bodhidharma and Emperor Wu - The Three Questions That Changed the Course of Buddhism
from The Long Thread - Ancient Stories For The Present Moment. · host Ashvee Kanwar
A story about the most important conversation in the history of Zen Buddhism.Emperor Wu of China had built more temples, commissioned more sacred texts, and supported more monks than any ruler in history.He summoned a remarkable Indian monk who had walked across the Himalayas to China with nothing but a staff and a begging bowl.The monk's name was Bodhidharma. The emperor asked him three questions.The answers have been unpacked by Zen scholars for fifteen hundred years.The first answer alone - two words - will make you look very carefully at every good thing you have ever done.And why you did it.New story every day.Follow so you never miss one.
What this episode covers
A story about the most important conversation in the history of Zen Buddhism.Emperor Wu of China had built more temples, commissioned more sacred texts, and supported more monks than any ruler in history.He summoned a remarkable Indian monk who had walked across the Himalayas to China with nothing but a staff and a begging bowl.The monk's name was Bodhidharma. The emperor asked him three questions.The answers have been unpacked by Zen scholars for fifteen hundred years.The first answer alone - two words - will make you look very carefully at every good thing you have ever done.And why you did it.New story every day.Follow so you never miss one.
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Bodhidharma and Emperor Wu - The Three Questions That Changed the Course of Buddhism
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