Tendai Buddhist Institute

About Tendai Buddhist Institute

The Tendai Buddhist Institute is the head temple of Japanese Tendai Buddhism in North America. It incorporates Tendai-shu New York Betsuin, and the Karuna Tendai Dharma Center, as well as the temple Jiunzan Tendai-ji. It is dedicated to presenting Buddhist teachings, practices and lifestyle. It is open to all levels of Buddhist lay practice and is the only ordination training center for Tendai priests (both male and female) outside Japan.

The Abbot, Monshin Naamon, was appointed as Secretary General of the North American District of Tendai-shu by Hamada, Shomochu, on June 18th, 2008.

The Tendai Buddhist School is one of the most important sects of Japanese Buddhism, established in 804 C.E. by Saicho (767-822) its origins are firmly rooted in the Dharma taught by Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical figure – as well as the Mahayana school of Buddhism and China’s T’ien-t’ai school, founded by Zhygi, (538-597). The Tendai school gave rise to other important schools of Japanese Buddhism, including, Jodo (Pure Land), Jodo Shin-shu (New Pure Land), Soto Zen, Rinzai Zen, and Nichren schools.