Credited as having introduced Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China, Bodhidharma was an Indian monk from the 6th century. In the narrative, he is said to have meditated in a cave staring at the wall for nine years. After falling asleep during his meditation, Bodhidharma, infuriated with himself, cut his eyelids off to prevent himself from falling asleep. Thus, in art, he is often represented with large, bulging eyes.
In Mao Guolun’s painting, Bodhidharma is placed against a blank background with pigment only being used to color his skin. With his ink and brush, Mao is able to depict his state of deep meditation of Bodhidharma. His monastic robe and bowl are physical symbols of the succession of dharma, in which the critical teachings from the Buddha are transferred directly from one to the next.