Tendai is one of the numerous Japanese versions of Buddhism which emerged in the Middle Ages. Today, the Tendai school has spread far and wide with its followers present in nearly every country of the world.
One key person who has been responsible for the strong roots of Tendai is Ennin. Ennin lived from the year 793 CE to 864 CE though due to lack of credible historical records, some sources and scholars quote his birth to have occurred in the year 794. Despite the confusion about the year of birth, one thing can not be denied that Ennin was a key adherent and second most important priest in Tendai Buddhism. In Japan, Ennin is popular by the name given to him after his death, Jikaku Daishi, and is highly revered.
Little is known about the early life of Ennin. The confirmed information includes the fact that Ennin came from a Mibu family which lived in the area currently known as the Tochigi Prefecture of the Empire of Japan. About his exposure to Buddhism, it is known that when he was 14 years old, Ennin became a disciple of Buddhism. He joined the order of Buddhist priests at Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei. The mountain is located near the city of Kyoto.
The first instances of Ennin's contact with Tendai can be traced to his journey to the Middle Kingdom. The trip occurred around 838 CE when the Chinese empire was ruled by the Tang dynasty. During his stay in China, he started with learning from two well known Buddhist teachers and then moved ahead to spend a few days at Wutaishan, known to the Japanese as Godaisan. This mountain is situated in modern day Shanxi province of China. At that time, Wutaishan was a great center of Buddhist learning, playing host to numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. From there, Ennin was shipped through the Grand Canal to the Chinese capital of Chang'an. In Chang'an, he was consecrated into the two Mandala rituals.
In the year 840 CE, anti-Buddhist emperor Wuzong of the Tang dynasty came to power and started the Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution of 842-846. Wuzong deported Ennin to his homeland.
Ennin reached Japan back in 847 CE where he was promptly appointed as the chief priest of the Tendai sect at Enryakuji. As the chief priest, he founded the temple of Ryushakuji at Yamadera. He also built various buildings to safely store the sutras and religious instruments he had recovered from China.
For all his remaining life, Ennin was committed and strived to adhere and spread the tenets of Tendai. Had it not been for the efforts and dedication of Ennin, Tendai Buddhism would never have reached the level of followership it today has.
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