Dharma Transmission - History

History

See also: Chinese Chán and Bodhidharma

The notion and practice of Dharma Transmission developed early in the history of Chán, as a means to gain credibility and to foster institutional ties among the members of the Chán-community. Charts of dharma-linegaes were developed, which represented the continuity of the Buddhist dharma. Originally these lineages only included the Chinese Patriarchs, but they were later extended to twenti-eight Chinese Patriarchs and seven Buddhas.

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