Zhiyi （538-597）. Technically considered as the fourth patriarch， but actually the de-facto founder of the Tiantai （天台） sect in China. Zhiyi is famous for being the first in the history of Chinese Buddhism to elaborate a complete， critical and systematic classification of the Buddhist teachings， in order to explain the seemingly contradictory doctrines of Buddhism. He is also regarded as the first major figure to make a significant break from the Indian tradition， to form an indigenous Chinese system. He received his most important influences from his first teacher， Nanyue Huisi 南岳 慧思 （515-677）， a meditation master who would later be listed as Zhiyi's predecessor in the Tiantai lineage. After a period of study with Huisi， he spend some time working in the southern capital of Jinling， after which he retired to Tiantai mountain for intensive study and practice with a group of disciples， adapting the Indian meditation practice of zhiguan （止观） into his sytem. Among his many important works are the Mohe zhiguan 摩诃止观 and the Liu miaofamen 六妙法门. Also known as 天台大师. Among the works attributed to him （although many may have been written by his disciples）， about thirty are extant. FKS5038 DFB ZGD843c Iwa561 Ina-Z90 Ina-Z103 Ina-Z354 JE30a/31 Yo51 ZD188 bski437 （Credit） cmuller（entry）