Damo, also known as Bodhidharma, was a Buddhist monk who lived during the 6th century CE. He is traditionally credited with bringing Zen Buddhism to China from India. Damo is often depicted as a figure who emphasized meditation and direct experience of enlightenment, rather than reliance on scriptures. In addition to his role in spreading Buddhism, Damo is also associated with the founding of the Shaolin Temple, where he is said to have taught martial arts to the monks. His teachings and practices have had a lasting influence on both spiritual and physical disciplines in East Asia.