Tenjō Siddhism

Tenjō Siddhism (Shirakawan: 天乘宗 Tenjō-shū, "Heavenly Vehicle School/Religon") is a Prakrtivada Siddhist tradition in Chisei. It is a predominantly exoteric school, but has significant esoteric influences. The Tenjō school was founded in 712 by the monk Gyōhyō, who established the monastery of Sanjōju-ji (三成就) on Mount Moyagi, which remains the headquarters of the sect to this day. Under the Gejō dynasty (1093 - 1312), the Tenjō began to eclipse the older Yūso school of Siddhism, and became the primary form of Siddhism patronised by Shirakawan royalty and aristocracy.

Though briefly repressed following the Ejenate invasion, by the Kangon dynasty Tenjō had become one of the dominant forms of Chiseian Siddhism, with vast landholdings and political influence. During the Kangon period, many monks left Mt. Moyagi to found their own "new" or "Kangon" Siddhist schools, viewing the old temple complex as corrupt and polluted by influence from U'an Siddhism (established in Chisei under the Ejenate). This resulted in the formation of major sects such as Fukoku-ru, Shōjō-shū, Kenjō Sen (鑑乘禪) and Ichiren-shū. The Shinjō school of Yamatai and Hinomoto, and the Tencaw school of Saramosir were both also developed by students of Mt. Moyagi.

In addition to the many new schools, there are also a host of sub-schools within Chiseian Tenjō, centered on various branch-temples both in Eito and in the provinces.