1. About the Tendai Denomination of Buddhism

On January 26, 2006, the Tendai Buddhist Denomination celebrated its 1,200th year anniversary. The denomination was recognized officially on the same date, in the year 806 by the reigning Japanese Emperor Kanmu. The Emperor also honored the founder of the denomination (Saicho 767-822) with the posthumous title Dengyo Daishi (Great Transmitter of the Buddhist Doctrine).

The Tendai Denomination is fundamentally based upon the combined primary teachings of the famed Lotus Sutra, Esoteric Buddhism, Meditation, Bodhisattva precepts of Mahayana Buddhism and Pure Land religion. At present there are approximately 3,000 Tendai temples in Japan. Furthermore, in efforts to propagate the founder's spirit, the Ichigu wo terasu movement (Brighten the World at Your Corner Activities) was established and had been promoted.

Starting from the Heian Era (794-1192) and progressing through the Kamakura Era (1185-1333), the majority of Japanese Buddhist sects established as a result of founders who trained on Mount Hiei, the head temple of Tendai Buddhism, earning Mount Hiei the nickname "the Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism".

Dengyo Daishi, the founder of the Japanese Tendai Denomination

The Konpon-chu-do of Enryaku-ji Temple (the head temple of Tendai Denomination) on Mt.Hiei

2. About The Tendai Young Buddhist Association

The Tendai Young Buddhist Association is comprised of young aspiring priests from all the provincial centers who have joined together to form the Bukkyo-Seinen-Kai (regional young buddhist associations). Based on the fundamental spiritual teachings of Tendai Buddhism, We act variously for propagation of the Buddhism and are devoted to engaging in peaceful dialogue and actions for world peace. Our members are approximately 850.(as of October,2006)

Each autonomous, regional young buddhist association organizes their own young priest group which put together religious gatherings and services throughout the year. As well, the regional young priest combine on a national level to comprise the The Tendai Young Buddhist Association.

This national board of directors is comprised of regional representatives who meet twice annually, both in the Spring and Fall to decide budgets and expenses, planning and other important cooperative endeavors. From their decisions stem the actual activities of the Association. At present, the Board of Directors is thusly comprised of elected members who serve on one of four committees: a nationwide gathering and seminars committee, a missionary communications committee, a humanitarian relief committee and a computer outreach committee.

The Tendai Young Buddhist Association is a member of the All Japan Young Buddhist Association, itself comprised of various denominations and religious organizations. As well, the Tendai Young Buddhist Association has friendly a relationship with Youth Board of WCRP(World Conference of Religious for Peace) Japanese Committee.

The Association holds the following major events & activities annually:

• Annual delegate's meeting twice a year
• Tendai Young Buddhist Association Nationwide Gathering
• Tendai Young Buddhist Train Meetings and Seminars on Mt. Hiei
• Board of Directors meeting
• Committee activities (nationwide gathering and seminars, missionary communications, humanitarian relief, & computer outreach)
• Bulletin publications (Tendai Bussei-ren)
• Relief fund raising activities (Takuhatsu) & charitable operations & voluntary relief activities
• Eastern Japan Youth Baseball Gathering for Tendai Young Buddhist Association members
• Cooperative efforts with the All Japan Young Buddhist Association
• Other important activities
  

Board of Representatives	Ceremony by the young Tendai priests	Ceremony by the young Tendai priests
Relief fund raising activities (Takuhatsu)		Tendai Young Buddhist Association Nationwide Gathering