sect/index

BUDDHIST SCHOOLS

Buddhist Sects

9 Japanese Buddhist sects. Browse each school's founder, head temple and core teachings, and trace member temples.

Founder：Saicho (Dengyo Daishi)　・　Temples 1538

The school of Tendai doctrine systematized in China by Master Zhiyi (538–597) of Mount Tiantai around the Lotu

Founder：Eisai (Myoan Eisai)　・　Temples 2146

A Zen school founded by Linji Yixuan (?–867) of Tang China. Brought to Japan by Eisai (1141–1215), who transmi

Rinzai (Kenchoji Branch)

Founder：Rankei Doryu (Lanxi Daolong)　・　Temples 263

One of 14 branches of Rinzai Zen, with Kenchoji — ranked first among the Five Mountains of Kamakura — as its h

Jodo-shu (Pure Land)

Founder：Honen (Genku)　・　Temples 3796

The first independent nenbutsu school in Japanese Buddhism, founded when Honen (1133–1212) descended from Mt.

Founder：Kukai (Kobo Daishi)　・　Temples 5169

The school of esoteric Buddhism founded when Kukai (774–835) sailed with the 804 Japanese envoy to Tang China,

Shingon Omuro-ha

Founder：Kukai (Kobo Daishi) / Emperor Uda　・　Temples 356

One of the 18 main temples of Shingon Buddhism, with Ninnaji in Kyoto as its head temple. Founded in 888 by im

Founder：Eison (Kosho Bosatsu)　・　Temples 42

A school fusing Shingon esoteric Buddhism with the Ritsu (Vinaya/precepts-focused) tradition. Distressed by th

Founder：Dogen (Kigen Dogen)　・　Temples 6706

A Zen school named for the Chinese masters Caoshan Benji and Dongshan Liangjie. Dogen (1200–1253), who entered

Founder：Nichiren (Rissho Daishi)　・　Temples 2448

Founded by Nichiren (1222–1282) when he first chanted the daimoku 'Namu Myoho Renge Kyo' at Seicho-ji in Awa P

Explore pilgrimage with the app

View in app

✕