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What are the main beliefs and practices of Tiantai Buddhism?
Tiantai was the first school of Buddhism to consider the Lotus Sutra to be the most cumulative and accessible expression of the Buddha’s teaching. It is also known for its doctrine of the Three Truths; its classification of Buddhist doctrines into Five Periods and Eight Teachings; and its particular form of meditation.
What is mainstream Buddhism?
The early Buddhist schools or mainstream sects refers to the sects into which the Indian Buddhist monastic saṅgha split. They are also called the Nikaya Buddhist schools, Ezhuthupally, and in Mahayana Buddhism they are referred to either as the Śrāvaka (disciple) schools or Hinayana (inferior) schools.
Who is Miao?
Zhanran (Chinese: 湛然; pinyin: Zhànrán; Wade–Giles: Chan-jan; 711-782), sometimes called Miao-lo (or Miaole) was the sixth patriarch of the Tiantai school of Chinese Buddhism and helped to revive the school’s proéminence after a period of decline.
What was the doctrinal basis of the Tiantai Zong?
The Tiantai school’s soteriology is based on the doctrine of the “One Vehicle” (Skt. ekayāna, traditional Chinese: 一乘; pinyin: Yīchéng) found in the Lotus Sutra. Tiantai sees all the various Buddhist teachings, scriptures and practices as being part of a single holistic vehicle (yana) leading to Buddhahood.
What is the purest form of Buddhism?
The term “Pure Land Buddhism” is used to describe both the Pure Land soteriology of Mahayana Buddhism, which may be better understood as “Pure Land traditions” or “Pure Land teachings,” as well as the separate Pure Land sects that developed in Japan from the work of Hōnen.
How do you become a Mahayana Buddhist?
Yes, anyone can become a Buddhist. You will need to take refuge in the Triple Gem and follow a ceremony during which you take a vow to uphold the Five Precepts (to not kill, not steal, not commit sexual misconduct, refrain from false speech and not take intoxicants that lessen your awareness).
Which countries follow Mahayana Buddhism?
In the course of its history, Mahāyāna Buddhism spread throughout South Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. It remains influential today in China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, Taiwan and Bhutan.
Where can I study Buddhism in the US?
Institute of Buddhist Studies – located in Berkeley, California. Maitripa College – located in Portland, Oregon. Soka University of America – located in Aliso Viejo, California. University of the West – located in Rosemead, California (Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission)