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Saichō (Bodhidharma)

Saichō was a Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Tendai school, a major tradition that integrated various Buddhist teachings and practices. He lived in the early 9th century and emphasized the importance of studying the full Buddhist path, including meditation, scriptures, and rituals. While often confused with Bodhidharma, the legendary Indian monk credited with bringing Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China, Saichō's focus was on developing a comprehensive approach to enlightenment within Japanese Buddhism. His teachings helped shape Japanese religious culture, fostering a tradition that balances study, practice, and ritual to attain spiritual insight.