Tiantai School Overview -- Buddhist Schools Series

Author: Zhu Fengcao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Buddhism was introduced to China during the Han Dynasty. Through the transmission and inheritance during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, it evolved to the Sui and Tang periods, where it long interacted and merged with Chinese culture, giving rise to numerous Buddhist schools with Chinese characteristics. These schools, like a diverse array of flowers in full bloom, have made the Buddhist garden vibrant and colorful. The "" (school or sect) refers to a group of practitioners who share the same beliefs. Different sects each have their own practice systems established based on their fundamental views. The "" (branch or sub-school) refers to further divisions that arise from a sect. After Buddhism entered China, its influence grew increasingly significant. However, it never formed a complete system. For thousands of years, the propagation of Buddhism has always followed the principle of aligning with reason and timing. Today, China has entered an extraordinary process of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The governance of the country combines rule of law with rule of virtue, ushering in a peaceful era with exceptional opportunities. Alas, Zhao Pulu (Zhao Puchu), a renowned Buddhist figure, once wrote a poem: "A rare opportunity in a thousand years meets a prosperous age—may Buddhism aid in cultural governance." It is hoped that Buddhist scholars will better promote the Party's policy of religious freedom and the positive ideas and spirit in Buddhist teachings that contribute to national unity, social progress, people's happiness, and national reunification to religious followers. By guiding them to actively engage in safeguarding the interests of the people, national unity, and national reunification, they can make positive contributions to the development of western China and the comprehensive construction of a moderately prosperous society.