Who founded the Tiantai school of Buddhism in China?
Zhiyi became the fourth patriarch and principal founder of the Tiantai school. He established the tradition on Tiantai Mountain in Zhejiang province during the 6th century.
Questions about Tiantai
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What are the core philosophical doctrines taught by Zhiyi in the Tiantai system?
Zhiyi developed a complex philosophical system centered on the Threefold Truth which comprises emptiness, provisional existence, and middle truth. The doctrine also includes Inherent Evil to show that ultimate reality contains both good and evil through mutual inclusion.
When did the Sui dynasty provide imperial support for the Tiantai school?
The school received imperial support during the Sui dynasty between the years 581 and 618. This period made it one of the leading schools of Chinese Buddhism with numerous large temples supported by emperors and wealthy patrons.
How did the Japanese Tendai school originate from the Chinese Tiantai tradition?
The Japanese Tendai school branched off from Tiantai during the 9th century under the guidance of Saichō. Daosui served as the primary teacher of Saichō and transmitted the lineage from the seventh patriarch Zhanran.
Which modern figures revived the Tiantai tradition after the Qing Dynasty collapse?
Dixian was the most influential figure who carried the lineage from the late Qing into the 20th century. His student Tanxu rebuilt various Taitai temples during the Republican era such as Zhanshan temple in Qingdao and preserved the lineage into the PRC era.