Hongaku

In Tendai

Original enlightenment thought became particularly important for the tradition during the time from the late Heiancloistered rule era (1086–1185) through the Edo period (1688–1735). During the late Heian and Kamakura periods, new texts were produced which focused specifically on original enlightenment and a new branch of Tendai developed, called hongakumon, which emphasized this teaching. These texts include the Contemplation of Suchness (Shinnyokan), the Honri taikō shu, Hymns on Inherent Enlightenment (Hongaku-san), with commentaries to it titled Chu-hongaku-san and Hongaku-san shaku,Shuzen-ji ketsu. During this time, lineages of secret oral transmission of hongaku teachings (kuden) also developed within Tendai. The following passage from the Shinnyokan illustrates the basic idea of original enlightenment found in these types of Tendai sources: