Fundamentals of Tendai Buddhism - The Lotus School

A welcoming Introduction to Tendai Buddhism: what it is, what to expect, and how to begin practicing. Beginners welcome.
About this Event

Curious about Tendai Buddhism? This is a beginner-friendly introduction for anyone exploring Buddhist practice in Northern California.
You’ll learn: what Tendai is, how practice can fit real life, and a simple practice you can begin immediately.
Who it’s for: beginners, meditators, interfaith seekers, and anyone looking for a grounded spiritual path.
What to expect: short teachings, guided practices, Q&A, and next steps.

Tendai-shu is a Japanese Buddhist tradition with its origins in the Chinese Tiantai Buddhist tradition (~4th century C.E.). It was brought to Japan in the 9th century of the Common Era by Saicho. It has flourished in Japan for 1100 years. Now, Tendai-shu has been transmitted to the United States and is available to those in Northern California who are interested in a Universalist form of Buddhism.

This workshop will introduce you to the history and basic tenets of Tendai Buddhism . We will also introduce participants to the wide variety of Buddhist practices available within Tendai, including:

Developing your own daily practice

Shikan meditation (shamatha-vipashyana)

Recitation of sutras, dharanis, and mantras

Sacred calligraphy

Interfaith work

Environmental stewardship

Sutra study

Mandala visualizations

Walking and hiking meditations

Pure Land practices and devotion