Japanese Buddhism

The history of Buddhism in Japan can be roughly divided into three periods, namely the Nara period (up to 784), the Heian period (794-1185) and the post-Kamakura period (1185 onwards). Each period saw the introduction of new doctrines and upheavals in existing schools.

Heian Period

The Late Nara period saw the introduction of Esoteric Buddhism (密教, Jp. mikkyo) to Japan from China, by Kukai and Saicho, who founded the Shingon and Tendai schools. The later Heian period saw the formation of the first truly Japanese school of Buddhism, that of Nichiren.

Related Topics:
Kukai - Saicho - Shingon - Tendai - Nichiren

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tendai

Known as Tiantai (天台) in China, the Tendai school was founded by Zhiyi (智顗, Jp Chigi) in China, c. 550 AD. In 804 Saicho (最澄) traveled to China to study at the Tiantai teachings, at Mount Tiantai. However before his return he also studied, and was initiated into the practice of the Vajrayana - with emphasis on the Mahavairocana Sutra. The primary text of Tiantai is Lotus Sutra (Hokkekyo 法華経), but when Saicho established his school in Japan he incorporated the study and practice of Vajrayana as well.

Related Topics:
Tiantai - Zhiyi - Saicho - Lotus Sutra

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Shingon

Kukai traveled to China in 804 as part of the same expedition as Saicho. In the T'ang capital he studied esoteric Buddhism, Sanskrit and received initiation from Huikuo. On returning to Japan Kukai eventually managed to establish Shingon (真言) as a school in its own right.

Related Topics:
Kukai - T'ang - Sanskrit - Huikuo

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kukai received two lineages of teaching - one based on the Mahavairochana Sutra (Dainichikyo 大日経), and the other based on the

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Vajrashekhara.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~