Articles on Tiantai Buddhism
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A comprehensive comparison of East Asian Buddhism: Tiantai, Tendai, Nichiren, and Cheontae traditions.
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Important Buddhist Observance Days (Mahāyāna & East Asian Traditions)
Overview Beyond the core observances of Uposatha, Vesak, Parinirvāṇa Day, Ullambana, and the Guanyin commemorations, many Mahayana communities honour a wider set of days related to Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and foundational sutras. These additional observances are not required in Tiantai practice,…
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Buddhist Days of Observance in the Tiantai Tradition
Explore the major Buddhist days of observance or Buddhist Holy Days, recognised in the Tiantai/Tendai tradition.
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The Four Noble Truths and the Twelvefold Chain of Causes and Conditions
Tiantai’s Unified View of Suffering and Awakening Overview In early Buddhism, two foundational teachings describe the nature of human experience: the Four Noble Truths and the Twelvefold Chain of Causes and Conditions (pratītyasamutpāda). The Four Truths summarise the structure of…
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Guanyin Renunciation Day: The Bodhisattva Who Hears the World’s Cries
On the nineteenth day of the ninth lunar month, Buddhists honour Guanyin Renunciation Day, symbolising compassion’s vow to hear and answer the world’s cries. Learn how this observance is celebrated in the Tiantai tradition.
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The Medicinal Herbs: The Buddhas Parable of Universal Growth
Explore the Parable of the Medicinal Herbs from the Lotus Sutra, where the Buddha’s teaching is likened to rain nourishing every plant according to its nature.
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The Six Transcendental Practices
(六波羅蜜) Overview In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the Six Transcendental Practices (Sanskrit ṣaṭ-pāramitā, Chinese 六波羅蜜) form the foundation of the bodhisattva path, the conduct through which one crosses from delusion to awakening. Zhiyi (智顗, 538–597), founder of the Tiantai school, taught that…
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The Ten Dharma Realms
Overview The Ten Dharma Realms (十法界, shí fǎ jiè) describe the full spectrum of existence in Buddhist cosmology, from the deepest suffering of hell to the enlightenment of Buddhahood. In Tiantai Buddhism, these are not ten separate worlds, but ten…
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How to Practise Zhi-Guan Meditation Today
Learn how to practise Zhiyi’s zhi–guan meditation in modern life. This is an introduction to Tiantai “Calming and Contemplation”.
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Guanding: Zhiyi’s Disciple and Systematiser
Guanding (561–632), Zhiyi’s foremost disciple, transcribed and systematised the teachings of the Tiantai School. His editorial precision preserved Zhiyi’s legacy, ensuring the survival of Tiantai Buddhism as a comprehensive path of doctrine and meditation.