"Bodhidharma, known as the "First Ancestor" of Zen (Chan) brought Zen Buddhism from South Asia to China around the year 500 CE, changing the country forever. His legendary life lies at the source of China and East Asian's cultural stream, underpinning the region's history, legend, and folklore. In Tracking Bodhidharma, the author uncovers Bodhidharma's ancient trail, recreating from physical and textual evidence. This nearly forgotton path leads Ferguson through China's ancient heart, exposing spiritual insights, pathos, and politics that elevated Bodhidharma to be one of China's most important historical figures" -- Publisher's description, front jacket flap.