Eight Teachings of the Tian Tai Classification of Sutras

The Storehouse Teaching,
the Pervasive Teaching,
the Separate Teaching,
the Perfect Teaching,
the Sudden Teaching,
the Gradual Teaching,
the Secret Teaching, and
the Unfixed Teaching.

One method of classification by which T'ien-t'ai systematized Shakyamuni's teachings. The eight teachings are divided into two sub-classifications: the four teachings of doctrine and the four teachings of method. The first is a classification according to content and the second, by method of teaching.

The four teachings of doctrine are:

(1) The Tripitaka teaching (Japanese, zokyo), which corresponds to Hinayana, and is so called because it consists of the three divisions of the canon - sutras, vinayas and abhidharmas. The teachings of this category reveal the cause of transmigration in the threefold world and urge one to free himself from this transmigration and enter the state of nirvana in which all desires are extinguished. To help cast off attachment to the world, they teach the analytical view of non-substantiality (Japanese, shakku), or the perception that all things, when progressively analyzed into their constituent elements (Sanskrit, dharmas), finally prove to be without substance. These teachings were expounded primarily for men of the two vehicles and secondarily for bodhisattvas.

(2) The connecting teaching (Japanese, tsugyo), or introductory Mahayana, so called because it forms a link between the Tripitaka teaching and the specific teaching. Like the Tripitaka teaching, the connecting teaching is also concerned with casting off attachment to the threefold world. However, the teachings of this category deny the view of the Tripitaka teaching that all things when analyzed prove to be without substance, and instead teach the view that all things just as they are without substance (Japanese, taiku), because the arise and disappear only by virtue of dependent origination. These teachings are directed primarily to bodhisattvas and secondarily to men of Learning and Realization.

(3) The specific teaching (Japanese, bekkyo), so called because it was expounded specifically for bodhisattvas. The teachings of this category set forth a long series of austerities spanning many aeons, which bodhisattvas must practice to attain Buddhahood. The three truths of non-substantiality, temporary existence and the Middle Way are discussed in these teachings but are indicated as being separate from and independent of one another.

(4) The perfect teaching (Japanese, engyo), which teaches the mutually inclusive relationship of the three truths. The perfect teaching is directed to people of all capacities and holds that all can attain Buddhahood. According to T'ien-t'ai's system, the Tripitaka, connecting, and specific teachings are all means leading to the perfect teaching, which encompasses and unifies them.

The four teachings of method is a classification of the teachings in terms of the way the Buddha taught them. They are: (1) The sudden teaching (Japanese, tonkyo), or those teachings which the Buddha expounded directly from his own enlightenment without giving his disciples preparatory knowledge. This category corresponds to the Kegon Sutra, said to have been the first teaching he expounded after attaining enlightenment at Buddhagaya. (2) The gradual teaching (Japanese, zenkyo), which the Buddha expounded to his disciples in progressive stages to gradually elevate their capacity to understand higher doctrines. The gradual teaching corresponds to the teachings of the Agon, Hodo and Hannya periods. (3) The secret teaching (Japanese, himitsugyo), or those teachings which the Buddha contrived to preach so that his listeners each benefited from them differently according to their respective capacities, without being aware of this. (4) The indeterminate teaching (Japanese, fujokyo), from which the Buddha's listeners each knowingly received a different benefit.
See also: Five Periods. Source: Dictionary of Buddhist Terms and Concepts

Eight Teachings: One system by which T'ien-t'ai classified Shakyamuni's sutras. The eight teachings are subdivided into two groups: four teachings of keho (doctrine) and four teachings of kegi (method). The first is a division by content and the second, by method of teaching. The four teachings of keho are: (1) Zokyo, which corresponds to the Hinayana teachings. These teachings stress precepts to control earthly desires. (2) Tsugyo, lower provisional Mahayana teachings aimed at those in the states of Learning, Realization and Bodhisattva. The concept is ku is introduced at this stage. (3) Bekkyo, a higher level of provisional Mahayana taught exclusively for bodhisattvas. The Three Truths (santai) were first revealed in these teachings. (4) Engyo, or true Mahayana. The name translates literally as "round teaching," meaning full or complete. Engyo indicates the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni's highest teaching, which places all others in perspective and reveals that all people have the potential for Buddhahood.
The four teachings of Kegi are: (1) Ton, meaning "abrupt," Indicates those teachings Shakyamuni expounded without giving his disciples preparatory knowledge. An example is the Kegon Sutra, the first teaching he expounded after his enlightenment at Buddh Gaya. (2) Zen, or "gradually." Teachings Shakyamuni expounded to his disciples in progressive levels so they could grow to understand higher doctrines. (3) Himitsu, literally "secret." Teachings aimed at a specific person or group of people with a particular inborn capacity. (4) Fujo, or "indefinite." Teachings Shakyamuni preached to an indefinite number of people enabling all of the to understand.
Source: Unknown

Source: http://www.sgi-usa.org/cgi-bin/lexicon.cgi?exact=on&term=Eight+Teachings

(NOTE: Numerous corrections and enhancements have been made under Shastra tradition and "Fair Use" by an Anonymous Buddhist Monk Redactor (Compiler) of this Online Buddhist Encyclopedia Compilation)

Primary Original Source: The Tripitaka Sutra, Shastra and Vinaya teachings
(as found in the scripture storehouse of the Indian Sanskrit-Siddham, Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese traditions of the Nalanda Tradition of ancient Nalanda University) of Shakyamuni Buddha, and his Arya Sagely Bodhisattva Bhikshu Monk and Upasaka disciples.

These Good and Wise Advisors (Kaliyanamitra) Dharma Master teachers include Arya Venerables Nagarjuna, Ashvaghosha, Aryasura, Kumarajiva, Shantideva, Chandrakirti, Chandragomin, Vasubandhu, Asanga, Hui Neng, Atisha, Kamalashila, Dharmarakshita, Tsong Khapa, Thogme Zangpo, Patanjali, Sushruta, Charaka, Vagbhata, Nichiren, Hsu Yun, Hsuan Hua, Shen Kai, Tenzin Gyatso, Kyabje Zopa, Ajahn Chah, Vasant Lad, and other modern day masters. We consider them to be in accord with Master Hsuan Hua’s "Seven Guidelines for Recognizing Genuine Teachers"

Nalanda Online University's teachings are based especially on the Dharma Flower Lotus Sutra, the Avatamsaka Sutra, the Shurangama Sutra, the Ksitigarbha Sutra, the Bhaisajya Guru Sutra, the Dharani Sutra, the Vajra Sutra, the Prajna Paramita Hridayam Sutra, the Guhyasamaja, the Kalachakra and their commentaries (shastras) by the above Arya Tripitakacharya Dharma Masters.

At Nalanda Online University we practice daily and introduce you to (via downloadable multimedia MP3 audio and WMV video lectures) the teachings and practices of the Five Traditions transmitted by the Buddha Shakyamuni:

1. Teaching School (Mahayana Sutrayana - Paramitayana - Hua Yan and Tian Tai, Yogachara, Nalanda Prasangika Madhyamika, Theravada Sutta)

See also: Tripitaka (1. Sutras, 2. Vinaya, 3. Shastras or Abhidharma, or Tantra), Taisho Catalog Numbering System, Dharma, and names of individual sutras (such as Shurangama Sutra, Avatamsaka Sutra [Flower Adornment Sutra], Lotus Sutra [Wonderful Dharma Flower Sutra], Earth Store Sutra, Dharani Sutra, Brahma Net Sutra, Medicine Master Buddha Sutra, Sixth Patriarch Platform Sutra, Sutra in 42 Sections, Sutra on the Buddha's Bequeathed Teaching, et al.

2. Moral Regulations School (Vinaya Pratimoksha Shila - Bodhisattva Pranidhana - Vajrayana-Samaya - Yogic Yama)

3. Esoteric School (Vajrayana - Mantrayana - Tantrayana - Dharani - Secret School of the Mahayana)

4. Meditation School (Indian Dhyana Samadhi - Shamatha - Vipassana, Chinese Chan, Japanese Zen,
        Tibetan Mahamudra of Kagyupa, and Tibetan Dzogchen of Nyingmapa)

5. Pure Land Devotional School (Bhakti Puja - Buddha-Bodhisattva Mindfulness and Nama Japa --
         Name Recitation of Buddhas Amitabha-Amitayus, Medicine Buddha - Bhaisajya Guru - Akshobhya,
         and Bodhisattvas: Avalokiteshvara-Guanyin-Chenrezig-Mahakala, Tara, Samantabhadra Universal Worthy,
         Manjushri-Kalarupa Great Wisdom, Maitreya Great Loving-Kindness, Mahasthamaprapta Great Strength,
         Ksitigarbha - Earth Store Great Vows, Vajrapani, Vajrasattva,
         Chandraprabha Moonlight Radiance, Suryaprabha Sunlight Radiance, Medicine King Bodhisattva, Medicine Superior Bodhisattva
         and others Dharma Protecting Dharmapala Lokapala Bodhisattvas, Gods and Goddesses)

Compilation Sources for the Above Material on the Teachings of the Buddha:

Primary Compilation Source: Epstein, Ronald B., Ph.D, compiler, Buddhist Text Translation Society's Buddhism A to Z, Burlingame, California: Buddhist Text Translation Society, 2003. ISBN: 0881393533 Paperback: 284 pages. www.BTTSOnline.org www.Amazon.com
http://www.bttsonline.org/product.aspx?pid=118 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0881393533/ref=ase_medicinebuddh-20

Secondary Compilation Source: The Seeker’s Glossary of Buddhism, 2nd ed., San Francisco, California: Sutra Translation Committee of the United States and Canada, 1998: www.budaedu.org.tw

Secondary Compilation Source: Muller, Charles, editor, Digital Dictionary of Buddhism [DDB], Toyo Gakuen University, Japan, 2007: Username is "guest", with no password.
http://buddhism-dict.net/ddb - Based in large part on the Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms with Sanskrit and English Equivalents (by Soothill and Hodous) Delhi, India: Motilal Banarsidass, 1997.

Secondary Compilation Source: Ehrhard, Diener, Fischer, et al, The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen, Boston, Massachusetts: Shambhala Publications, 1991. 296 pages. ISBN 978-0-87773-520-5 www.Shambhala.com, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0877735204/ref=ase_medicinebuddh-20,
http://www.shambhala.com/html/catalog/items/isbn/978-0-87773-520-5.cfm

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(Like Ananda says in the Shurangama Sutra introduction to the Shurangama Mantra,
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Updated May 10, 2008