What is Tiantai/Tendai?

What is Tiantai/Tendai?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight December 26, 2021 Duration: 26:22

Bright on Buddhism Episode 15 - What is Tiantai/Tendai? How is it different from other schools of Buddhism? How does it influence other schools of Buddhism? 

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized. MIT Press. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-262-29723-3.; Williams, Paul, Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, Routledge, 2008, pp. 195–196.; The Lotus Sutra: Translator’s Introduction, pp. ix-xxii; Chapter One, Burton Watson, trans.; Lopez and Stone: Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sutra; Donald S Lopez Jr: The Lotus Sūtra: A Biography; “Saichō and Mount Hiei,” Sources of Japanese Tradition, Volume 1: 123-152.  Hazama, Jikō. "The Characteristics of Japanese Tendai." Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 14, no. 2/3 (1987): 101-12. Endō, Asai. "The "Lotus Sutra" as the Core of Japanese Buddhism: Shifts in Representations of Its Fundamental Principle." Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 41, no. 1 (2014): 45-64.; Paul Groner, Saichō: The Establishment of the Tendai School, Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2000.; Paul Groner, “The Lotus Sutra and Saicho’s interpretation of the Realization of Buddhahood in this very body,” in The Lotus Sutra in Japanese Culture, ed. George and Willa Tanabe (Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 1989); Abe Ryuichi, "Saichō and Kukai: A Conflict of Interpretations," Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 1995 22 1/2, pp. 103-137.; Dogen, ‘The Flowering of the Dharma Sets the Dharma’s Flowering in Motion' (Hokke ten Hokke)


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Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

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