What is the Difference Between Bodhidharma and Lord Buddha?

Bodhidharma and Lord Buddha are both significant figures in Buddhism, but they have different roles and teachings. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Position: Lord Buddha, also known as Gautama Buddha, is considered the founder of Buddhism and is treated as a supreme being above gods and human beings. Bodhidharma, on the other hand, is the 28th patriarch of Buddhism and the founder of Zen Buddhism.
2. Teachings: Lord Buddha's teachings focused on non-violence, adopting an ascetic lifestyle, and attaining enlightenment through meditation and understanding the Four Noble Truths. Bodhidharma's teachings and practice centered on meditation and the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra, emphasizing direct pointing at the mind, seeing one's true nature, and attaining enlightenment.
3. Biography: Lord Buddha was born as Prince Gautama in present-day Nepal and later renounced his worldly life in search of the true meaning of life. Bodhidharma was born a prince in the Pallava Kingdom in South India and became a monk at an early age. He was fully enlightened at the age of twenty-two and was sent as a messenger to China.
4. Role in Buddhism: Lord Buddha is the central figure in Buddhism, while Bodhidharma is an important figure in the development of Zen Buddhism. Bodhidharma is considered the transmitter of Chan Buddhism, which later became Zen in China, Indonesia, Japan, and other Far East Asian countries.

Comparative Table: Bodhidharma vs Lord Buddha

Here is a table comparing Bodhidharma and Lord Buddha: