The Tendai School of Buddhism is one of the most important sects of Japanese Buddhism, established in the 8th Century CE. Its origins are firmly rooted in both the Dharma taught by Shakyamuni Buddha – the historical Buddha – as well as the Mahayana school of Buddhism and China’s T’ien-t’ai Buddhist doctrine.

Named after the sacred mountain in southeast China and popularized by the philosopher, teacher and practitioner Chih-I (538-597) and the Japanese Saicho (767-822), the Tendai school gave rise to other important schools of Japanese Buddhism, including the Jodo (Pure Land), Jodo Shin-Shu (New Pure Land), Soto Zen, Rinzai Zen and Nichiren schools. The history of Tendai Buddhism thus encompasses the stories and practices of both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism and Japanese Buddhism.

Throughout its history, beginning in 6th century China and through its 1,200 years in Japan, Tendai has included and harmonized all the Buddhist sutra, teachings and practices. Now Tendai is introduced into the West in an authentic fashion, with the support of Tendai-shu in Japan, honoring this long history and continuing the unfolding of the Dharma in a form that truly expresses our aspiration for enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. We invite you to join us on this journey, for a visit or for a lifetime.

* The content of this page comes from Tendai Buddhist Institute training materials and was used with permission.