Tendai

Founded by the monk Saichō in 806 CE, Tendai established its spiritual home on Mount Hiei near Kyoto. The tradition emerged when Saichō petitioned Emperor Saga for an independent ordination platform, a request granted that same year to allow monks to train outside existing systems. This move enabled the school to grow rapidly as a dominant force within the Imperial court, blending exoteric teachings with esoteric practices under the guidance of the Lotus Sutra. Unlike rival schools that relied on rigid structures, Tendai absorbed diverse lineages while maintaining a central focus on universal enlightenment.

The influence of this order expanded so significantly that it became known as the Mother of Japanese Buddhism. Major sects including Pure Land, Nichiren, and Zen originated as reform movements or offshoots within Tendai during the Kamakura era. Although Oda Nobunaga destroyed the main Enryaku-ji temple in 1571, the tradition survived and retained substantial cultural weight. Today, the school continues to operate over 2,000 affiliated temples across Japan and maintains active branches in the United States and Australia. [edit]