When did Saichō return to Japan to establish the Tendai school?
Saichō returned to Japan in the sixth month of 805 after studying under Dàosuì. He received permission from Emperor Kanmu to establish an independent Tendai school in 806.
Questions about Tendai
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where is the headquarters of the Tendai school located today?
The headquarters and major training center of the Tendai school remains at Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei. This location northeast of Kyoto was chosen for its auspicious status as a city protector according to Chinese geomancy.
Who were the early founders of new schools that originated within Tendai Buddhism?
Nichiren, Hōnen, Ippen, Shinran, Eisai, and Dōgen all initially trained as Tendai monks before teaching radical new doctrines. These figures developed specific practices such as daimoku or zazen while originally ordaining within Tendai frameworks.
What happened to the Tendai headquarters on Mount Hiei during the Sengoku period?
Warlord Oda Nobunaga destroyed the Tendai headquarters on Mount Hiei in 1571 resulting in many deaths. The school maintained strong bases elsewhere and was rapidly reconstructed with backing from Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa shoguns.
When did the Tendai Mission of Hawaii Betsuin receive its first bishop Ryokan Ara?
The Tendai Mission of Hawaii Betsuin received its first bishop Ryokan Ara in the 70s. This mission was founded before WWII and represents one of the expansions of the Tendai school to Western countries.