Tendai, also known as Japanese Tiantai, is a school of Buddhism that was founded in Japan in the 9th century by the monk Saicho. It is based on the teachings of the Chinese Tiantai school, which was founded by the monk Zhiyi in the 6th century.

There are several different branches of Tendai, each with its own unique focus and approach to Buddhist teachings. These branches include the Tendai Hokke, Tendai Jimon, Tendai Sanron, and Tendai Shingon schools.

The Tendai Hokke school, also known as the Lotus Sutra school, focuses on the Lotus Sutra as the primary text for attaining enlightenment. This school places great emphasis on the concept of ichinen sanzen, which teaches that all phenomena are interconnected and that enlightenment can be attained in this lifetime.

The Tendai Jimon school, also known as the Exoteric Tendai school, emphasizes the study and practice of the Buddhist scriptures, rituals, and moral precepts. This school also places great importance on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, but also incorporates teachings from other Buddhist texts.

The Tendai Sanron school, also known as the Three Treatise school, focuses on the study and interpretation of three key Buddhist texts: the Madhyamaka-karika, the Dvadashamukha-sastra, and the Shata-shastra. This school places great emphasis on the concept of emptiness and the Middle Way.

The Tendai Shingon school, also known as the Esoteric Tendai school, incorporates elements of esoteric Buddhism, particularly the teachings and practices of the Shingon school. This school places great emphasis on the use of mantras, mudras, and visualizations to attain enlightenment.

Despite their different focuses, all of these branches of Tendai share the belief in the fundamental principles of the Tiantai school, such as the concept of the Middle Way and the use of meditation and other practices to attain enlightenment. They also all recognize the Lotus Sutra as a key text for understanding and practicing Buddhism.

In conclusion, Tendai is a diverse and multifaceted school of Buddhism with several different branches, each with its own unique approach to understanding and practicing the teachings of the Buddha. Whether one follows the Tendai Hokke, Tendai Jimon, Tendai Sanron, or Tendai Shingon school, the ultimate goal is the same: to attain enlightenment and bring about peace and harmony in the world.