The Lotus Sutra holds great significance in Tendai Buddhism, as it is considered the primary scripture and foundation of the Tendai teachings. The Lotus Sutra, also known as the "Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma," is a Mahayana Buddhist text believed to have been taught by the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, towards the end of his life.

In Tendai, the Lotus Sutra is seen as the ultimate expression of the Buddha's teachings, encompassing all other sutras and representing the highest truth of Buddhism. It is believed to contain the essence of the Buddha's enlightenment and is considered the most profound and complete teaching of the Dharma.

One of the key teachings of the Lotus Sutra is the concept of "skillful means," which emphasizes the importance of adapting teachings and practices to the needs and capacities of individual practitioners. This idea is central to Tendai Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of finding a personalized path to enlightenment based on one's unique circumstances and abilities.

The Lotus Sutra also teaches the concept of "Buddha-nature," which states that all beings possess the potential for enlightenment and can ultimately become Buddhas. This aligns with Tendai's belief in the innate Buddha-nature of all beings and the possibility for everyone to attain enlightenment.

Furthermore, the Lotus Sutra teaches the concept of "One Vehicle," which asserts that all beings can reach enlightenment through the same path, regardless of their individual capacities or backgrounds. This idea is in line with Tendai's belief in the universality of the Buddha's teachings and the inclusivity of all beings in the path to enlightenment.

In Tendai, the Lotus Sutra is also seen as a symbol of the ultimate truth and reality, which is often represented by the lotus flower. Just as the lotus flower grows from the muddy waters to bloom into a beautiful flower, the Lotus Sutra teaches that all beings have the potential to overcome suffering and attain enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Lotus Sutra holds great significance in Tendai Buddhism as the primary scripture and foundation of its teachings. Its teachings on skillful means, Buddha-nature, One Vehicle, and the symbolism of the lotus flower all align with Tendai's beliefs and practices, making it a crucial text in understanding and practicing Tendai Buddhism.