Yes, Bodhidharma was a monk. In fact, he is considered the founder of Zen Buddhism and is highly revered in the Buddhist tradition.

Bodhidharma was born in India in the 5th or 6th century CE. He was a prince of the Pallava dynasty, but he renounced his royal status to become a monk. He was initially trained in the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism but later went on to study under the famous Buddhist master Prajnatara.

After receiving his teachings, Bodhidharma set out on a journey to spread Buddhism to other parts of the world. He eventually arrived in China, where he is said to have spent nine years meditating in a cave in the Shaolin Temple. This is where he is believed to have developed the foundations of Zen Buddhism.

Bodhidharma's teachings were focused on the practice of meditation and the attainment of enlightenment. He emphasized the importance of direct experience and discouraged reliance on scriptures and rituals. This approach resonated with many Chinese people who were dissatisfied with the strict rules and rituals of traditional Buddhism.

During his time at the Shaolin Temple, Bodhidharma also developed a system of physical exercises to help the monks maintain their physical and mental well-being. These exercises eventually evolved into the martial arts practiced at the Shaolin Temple, making Bodhidharma a significant figure in the development of martial arts in China.

Bodhidharma's teachings and practices had a profound impact on Chinese Buddhism, and he is considered the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism in China. His influence also spread to other East Asian countries, including Japan, where Zen Buddhism became one of the most prominent schools of Buddhism.

Despite his significant role in the development of Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma's life remains shrouded in mystery and legends. Some stories claim that he had the ability to levitate and that he had a powerful presence that could silence a room. However, these are likely embellishments added over the centuries.

In conclusion, Bodhidharma was indeed a monk who dedicated his life to the practice and spread of Buddhism. His teachings and practices continue to inspire and guide many people on their spiritual journeys, making him a highly revered figure in the Buddhist tradition.