noun
six Nara-period Buddhist sects
Historical term referring to the six major Buddhist schools that flourished in Nara during the Nara period (710–794): Sanron, Jōjitsu, Hossō, Kusha, Ritsu, and Kegon. Used in academic or historical contexts.
南都六宗は奈良時代に栄えた仏教の宗派である。
The six Nara sects are Buddhist schools that flourished during the Nara period.
南都六宗の一つである法相宗は、唯識を説く。
The Hossō sect, one of the six Nara sects, teaches consciousness-only doctrine.
Nara Buddhism is a broader term encompassing all Buddhist activity in Nara during the period, while 南都六宗 specifically refers to the six major doctrinal schools.
From 南都 (Nanto, an old name for Nara) + 六 (six) + 宗 (sect). The term was coined later to collectively refer to the six major Buddhist schools of the Nara period.