the eight major Buddhist sects of early Heian Japan
Historical term referring collectively to the six Nara-period sects (南都六宗) plus the two Heian-period sects (Tendai and Shingon). Used in discussions of Japanese Buddhist history.
See also: 南都六宗
In the early Heian period, the eight sects were established, adding the Tendai and Shingon sects to the six Nara sects.