Punyamitra

Punyamitra, the twenty-sixth patriarch, received the transmission from Vasasita and passed it to Prajnatara, who would become the teacher of Bodhidharma. His name means "friend of merit," and he is portrayed as a teacher of great warmth and accessibility. He is said to have traveled widely, teaching in various regions of India and maintaining contact with the diverse Buddhist communities of his time.

Punyamitra's significance lies above all in his recognition of Prajnatara, the last great figure of the Indian lineage before the transmission would cross to China. His ability to see through the forms of brilliance and accomplishment to the essential readiness of a student represents the highest function of the teacher in the Chan understanding.