Tendai is known for it’s wide variety of practices. Ekayana denotes the inclusive nature of Tendai-shu. This means there are many practices for us to engage in since there are just as many obstacles to challenge us as we grow. Below is a very brief description of the main practices we see here at the Blue Mountain Sage Sangha. To get a more detailed description of these as well as several other Tendai practices, please follow the link  below to Monshin's TBI website.

http://www.tendai.org/index.php?id=45

Meditation:

The main meditation is called Shikan. Shi (Shamatha) is described as “just sitting”, “stopping” or “calming the mind”. This puts us in a state where we can begin to see reality without attachments or expectations. Kan (Vipassanā) is described as seeing the true nature. The Vipassanā meditations include the five classic meditations, guided visualizations, koan practice, loving kindness, chanting and Kinhin.

Devotional Practice:

Here we have several practices that give us direct access to a deep sense of devotion. Gratitude and humility are necessary when one works for the benefit of others. Nembutsu, Shomyo and Prostrations work well to put us in this state. There are always several elements to each of these practices going on simultaneously. This can be difficult. When we add several people to the mix it makes it even more interesting. When a group can do a devotional practice and be in total harmony, there is something beyond words that takes place, something almost magical.

Study:

While most answers will come only through direct experience, study is still an important aspect of one’s training. We have access to over 2500 years of study and writings on the Dharma. Study often leads to beneficial and insightful discussions. We frequently read and discuss the Lotus Sutra since Tendai has a particularly strong connection to it but there are so many works we will explore. We prepare for study practice just as we would any other meditation.

Kokorodo:

Tendai-shu is very well known for outdoor walking meditation. We maintain the mindfulness we experience during seated meditation while walking through nature. The distance will vary and increase over time. We usually begin with an hour or two and eventually reach about twenty miles at once, taking up the majority of one day. This is an especially enriching experience when shared with others in a group setting. We are blessed to live in Colorado and to have access to the Mountains. The setting and the terrain are such a great match for Kokorodo here that it's hard not to do one every Sunday. Currently we do Kokorodo on the last Sunday of each month.

Work Practice:

It takes many small tasks to prepare for our formal practices. When done in a meditative state, our work becomes yet another mindfulness meditation. This awareness will begin to extend into the rest of "everyday lives" until finally everything we do is done in a sacred state.