T'ien-t'ai (Tiantai Buddhism)

Tiantai Buddhism, founded in China by Zhiyi in the 6th century, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all teachings and the unity of enlightened wisdom. It advocates that all phenomena are aspects of the ultimate reality and promotes comprehensive practices like meditation, chanting, and studying scriptures. Central to Tiantai is the concept of the "Threefold Truth": that emptiness, dependence, and the ultimate are intertwined. It seeks to guide practitioners toward both wisdom and compassion, seeing enlightenment as an accessible goal through diligent practice. Tiantai's teachings have deeply influenced East Asian Buddhism, integrating philosophy, practice, and ethical living.