Tendai shu

Tendai shu was introduced by Ganjin from the T'ang Dynasty of China in 753 A.D. Tendai shu, established by Denkyou Daishi Saicho, was sanctioned by the Japanese Imperial Court in the Heian Period. Saicho went to T'ang Dynasty China in 804 A.D. and learned esoteric Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and the commandments. He came back to Japan the following year and established Tendai shu and taught Buddhism from Mt. Hiei. The head of the temple in Tendai shu was Enryakuji. Also, two Buddhist priests, Ennin and Enchin, contributed to Tendai shu. The efforts of both priests can be seen in present day Tendai shu.

Most Buddhism denominations were established by priests who studied Tendai shu.

Saicho (762-822 A.D.)

Return to the Buddhism site