Teachings
The Tendai School as originally practiced in ancient China might appear drastically different from its modern, Japanese offspring. Traditionally, Chinese Tendai, or T'ien t'ai, consisted exclusively of Lotus Sutra Teachings which were the underpinning of the classic writings of Chih-i. When the Japanese Founder, Dengyo Daishi first arrived on Chinese shores in search of Tendai doctrines, the entire School was experiencing a revival thanks to the efforts of the 6th Chinese Patriarch, Chan-jan.
Upon concluding his study in China, Dengyo Daishi returned to Japan to establish a much more eclectic Japanese Tendai; one infused with original Lotus Teachings, advanced meditative theories and even esoteric practices. It was not until years later that the esoteric practices, or Mikkyo, would be fully engendered within Tendai but the School itself had undergone a great degree of transformation from its original roots.
Japanese Tendai may be said to possess two "Gates" or "divisions" (called the KYOKAN NIMON theory) consisting of doctrine (KYOMON) & meditation (KANMON). The doctrinal aspects center upon the Lotus Sutra Trinity, three textual sources allowing the Seeker access to the Lotus Teachings. The meditative aspects are best exemplified through the practice of the MAKA SHIKAN (Great Calming and Abiding Meditation). United, these two Gates bring about realization of the Mahayana Bodhisattva Ideal, salvation for all sentient beings, regardless of how innumerable.