After the introduction of Buddhism to China, the first Chinese school to systematically develop its thoughts on theory and practice is Tiantai. This is the first time that the Chinese expressed their understanding of Indian Buddhism with confidence. The real founder of the school was Zhiyi (538- 597), most of whose life was spent in practicing meditation in the Mount Tiantai in modern Zhejiang, from which the school gets its name.
Zhiyi constructed a vast syncretistic system of Mahāyā thought and practice that aimed at giving a comprehensive overview of all of Buddhism and that found a place for all known modes of practice and doctrine. Confronted with the massive influx of Mahāyāna texts translated into Chinese, many of which directly contradicted one another in matters of both doctrine and practice, Zhiyi was faced with the challenge of accommodating the claim that all these texts represented the authoritative teaching of the Buddha. The solution he arrived at can be described as an insight into the interconnection between two central Mahāyāna doctrines: the concept of upāya (expedient means) and the concept of śūnyata (emptiness). From the synthesis of these ideas, Zhiyi developed a distinctive understanding of the buddhanature , rooted especially in the universalist exposition given in the Nirvāna Sūtra. What is unique for Tiantai is both its doctrine and praxis stresses on the unity of diversity.
Stressing on the unity of theory and practice, Tiantai established a record-breaking philosophic framework in China. To unite all Buddhist schools is a unique creation of Chinese Buddhism. To unite different culture and religions, Tiantai provides an insight to solve the problem. We need to understand the different needs of different people by accepting all. From Tiantai’s Classification of teaching, we can propose that all the religions are valid. People from different cultural background tend to believe in certain religion We should also start to reflect from oneself in our daily life. To accept and tolerate the difference while following one’s own tradition without criticizing others. In the third century BC, the great Buddhist emperor, Ashoka of India, following this noble example of tolerance and understanding, honored and supported all other religions in his vast empire. Tolerant of the difference is important. Different group and different schools should be tolerant of others and truly respect others.
So, how do you think my brothers and sisters, should we tolerant for the different traditions and religions?
