Zhiyi (Zhi Yi)

Zhiyi (Zhi Yi) was a influential Buddhist monk from 6th-century China who founded the Tiantai school, emphasizing the integrative nature of Buddhist teachings. He believed that all phenomena are interconnected and that enlightenment involves understanding the unity of all truths. Zhiyi developed comprehensive methods for practice and meditation, aiming to help practitioners progress towards enlightenment by recognizing the interconnectedness of wisdom, compassion, and the nature of reality. His work provided a systematic approach to Buddhism that remains influential, promoting the idea that genuine understanding comes from viewing teachings as a cohesive whole rather than isolated doctrines.