Zhiyi

Timeline

1. 538–560Huarong (Jingzhou) · HubeiZhiyi was born in Huarong, Jingzhou. Growing up in chaotic times, after both parents died he became a monk at about eighteen. He received full ordination in the Jingzhou area, studying Vinaya texts and Chan methods, showing extraordinary meditative talent and deep devotion to the Lotus Sutra.
2. 560–568Mount Dasu · HenanZhiyi traveled north to Mount Dasu (modern Guangshan, Henan) to study under Huisi, learning the Lotus Samadhi and Prajna meditation. He attained the preparatory stage of the Lotus Samadhi, winning Huisi's deep appreciation and receiving secret Dharma transmission, laying the foundation for his later Tiantai doctrinal system.
3. 568–575Jinling (Jiankang) · YangzhouZhiyi went south to Jinling (Jiankang), lecturing on the Lotus Sutra and the Great Treatise on the Perfection of Wisdom at the Waguan Temple, drawing large audiences and great fame. During this period he gradually formed the 'five periods and eight teachings' classification framework, integrating the three truths of emptiness, conventional existence, and the middle, establishing the theoretical core of Tiantai teaching.
4. 575–597Tiantai Mountain · ZhejiangZhiyi led his disciples to Tiantai Mountain in Zhejiang, building the Chan Monastery (later Guoqing Temple), where he completed the Three Great Tiantai Texts: the Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra, the Lotus Sutra Commentary, and the Great Zhiguan. Emperor Wen of Sui bestowed the title Master Zhizhe. He passed away at Shicheng in 597, still teaching the Dharma on his deathbed; his disciple Guanding compiled all his writings, making Tiantai an important school of Sinicized Buddhism.