Saicho was a prominent Japanese monk who lived during the 8th and 9th centuries. He is best known for founding the Tendai school of Buddhism in Japan, which emphasizes the importance of meditation and the study of various Buddhist texts. Saicho traveled to China to learn about Buddhism and brought back many teachings that helped shape Japanese spiritual practices. His efforts to promote Buddhism in Japan were significant, as he established the Enryaku-ji temple on Mount Hiei, which became a major center for Buddhist learning. Saicho's teachings focused on the idea of universal enlightenment, making Buddhism accessible to all people, regardless of their background.