Tiantai

Tiantai

 Japanese Tendai

Buddhist sect founded by Zhiyi in the 6th century AD. Its chief scripture is the Lotus Sutra, and the school is thus known as the Lotus school. Its basic philosophical doctrine is summarized as the Triple Truth: All dharmas lack ontological reality; nevertheless, they have a temporary existence; and they are simultaneously unreal and temporarily existing—an absolute truth that surpasses the others. In Tiantai, all Buddhist learning is arranged in a grand hierarchical scheme. In Japan, Saicho attempted to incorporate Zen meditation, monastic discipline, and esoteric cults. Amalgamation of Shinto and Buddhism was also encouraged.