Bodhidharma, also known as Da Mo in Chinese, is widely recognized as the founder of Zen Buddhism. He is believed to have brought the teachings of Zen from India to China in the 5th or 6th century CE. His influence on Zen Buddhism is undeniable, as he is considered the first patriarch of the Zen tradition and his teachings have greatly shaped the practice and philosophy of Zen.

However, Bodhidharma's influence was not limited to Zen Buddhism alone. His teachings and ideas also had an impact on other religions and philosophies, particularly in China and East Asia.

One of the major ways in which Bodhidharma's influence extended beyond Zen Buddhism was through the spread of Chan Buddhism in China. Chan, which is the Chinese word for Zen, was heavily influenced by Bodhidharma's teachings and became one of the major schools of Buddhism in China. Bodhidharma's emphasis on direct experience and meditation greatly influenced the development of Chan Buddhism, which in turn had a significant impact on other schools of Buddhism in China.

Bodhidharma's teachings also had an influence on Taoism, a philosophical and religious tradition that originated in China. Taoism and Zen Buddhism share many similarities, such as the emphasis on living in the present moment and the idea of non-dualism. Bodhidharma's teachings played a role in the development of Taoism, particularly in the integration of Taoist practices into Zen Buddhism.

Furthermore, Bodhidharma's influence can also be seen in the development of martial arts in China. It is believed that Bodhidharma taught a form of meditation and physical exercises to the monks at the Shaolin Monastery, which later evolved into the Shaolin martial arts. These martial arts not only became an important aspect of Chinese culture but also spread to other parts of East Asia, such as Japan and Korea.

Bodhidharma's influence also extended beyond the realm of religion and philosophy. He is often credited with introducing the concept of mindfulness and the practice of meditation to China. These ideas had a profound impact on Chinese culture and continue to be widely practiced in East Asia today.

In conclusion, while Bodhidharma is primarily known as the founder of Zen Buddhism, his influence extended to other religions, philosophies, and cultural practices in China and East Asia. His teachings and ideas continue to have a lasting impact on the region, making him a highly revered and influential figure in the history of Buddhism.