Tiantai, also known as the Tendai school in Japan, is a major Buddhist tradition that originated in China and is based on the Lotus Sutra. This school of thought places great emphasis on the concept of suffering and its role in the spiritual journey towards enlightenment.

According to Tiantai, suffering is an inevitable part of human existence and is caused by the Three Poisons - greed, anger, and ignorance. These poisons are seen as the root of all suffering and are believed to be present in every individual. However, Tiantai also teaches that suffering can be transformed into a path towards enlightenment.

One of the key teachings of Tiantai is the concept of the "threefold truth" or the "threefold reality." This refers to the understanding that all things are ultimately empty, but also have temporary existence and function. This concept is closely related to the Buddhist concept of impermanence, which states that all things are constantly changing and nothing is permanent. Tiantai sees suffering as a result of clinging to the temporary and illusory nature of existence, rather than embracing the ultimate truth of emptiness.

Furthermore, Tiantai also teaches the principle of "three thousand realms in a single moment of life." This means that within each moment, there are infinite possibilities and potential for both suffering and enlightenment. This concept emphasizes the impermanence and interconnectedness of all things, and encourages individuals to view suffering as a temporary state that can be transformed through mindful awareness and understanding.

In Tiantai, the ultimate goal is to achieve Buddhahood, which is seen as the state of complete enlightenment and freedom from suffering. This is achieved by integrating all Buddhist teachings, including the Lotus Sutra, and realizing the true nature of reality. Through this integration, one can transcend the Three Poisons and attain a state of inner peace and harmony.

In summary, Tiantai views suffering as an inevitable part of human existence that can be transformed into a path towards enlightenment. By understanding the threefold truth and embracing the impermanence of all things, individuals can overcome the Three Poisons and achieve Buddhahood. This perspective on suffering highlights the importance of mindfulness, self-awareness, and the integration of all Buddhist teachings in the journey towards enlightenment.