Current Buddhist Year: 2568 BE“Because he always teaches the unexcelled way, he will be called Universal Light. His land will be clean and pure. And all its bodhisattvas will be daring.”
— The Lotus Stura (Trans. Gene Reeves)
Note: Uposatha (Lunar Observance) dates are calculated according to UK local time (UTC/GMT). Observances may occur one day earlier in the Americas or one day later in East Asia, depending on the local new-moon time. For local variations, see mooninfo.org.
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What Is Tiantai Buddhism?
Tiantai Buddhism (T’ien T’ai; 天台宗) is a major school of Chinese Mahayana thought founded in the 6th century CE by the monk Zhiyi (智顗) on Mount Tiantai in Zhejiang, China.
Zhiyi systematized earlier Buddhist teachings into a comprehensive philosophy of One Vehicle (一乘), the idea that all paths ultimately lead to enlightenment, using the Lotus Sutra (法華經) as its core text.
From Tiantai’s study and meditation methods, several key principles emerged:
- the Threefold Truth (emptiness, provisional existence, and the Middle),
- the Ten Realms and their mutual possession, showing that every being contains the potential for Buddhahood,
- and contemplation in a single thought, the insight that enlightenment is present within ordinary life.
Tiantai later spread to Japan in the early 9th century, where it became known as Tendai under the monk Saichō (最澄) on Mount Hiei.
Both traditions continue to inspire a balanced approach of study, meditation, and ethical practice, harmonizing wisdom and compassion.
Why a Tiantai Calendar?
The Tiantai Buddhist Calendar Project helps Western practitioners and students track the key observance days and lunar cycles used across Chinese Mahayana and Tendai traditions, from the Buddha’s Birthday to the Bodhi Day marking his enlightenment.
All dates are calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar, converted to Gregorian time for accessibility worldwide.
About This Project
The Tiantai Buddhist Calendar Project is an independent educational resource created to help Western practitioners and students follow Tiantai and Tendai Buddhist observances more easily. It is not affiliated with any temple, monastery, or formal religious organization.
Dates are compiled from publicly available Chinese Mahayana festival tables, astronomical data, and verified cross-references. Because lunar calculations and regional observances may vary, this calendar remains a living work in progress, continually refined through further study and community input.
Visitors are warmly encouraged to confirm important observance dates with their local temples or sanghas.
May the Buddha’s words bring you calm and insight.
webmaster [at] tiantaicalendar.org