noun
religious sect; denomination
Refers to a distinct branch or group within a larger religion, especially Buddhism. Also used for Christian denominations.
日本には多くの仏教の宗派がある。
There are many Buddhist sects in Japan.
彼はキリスト教の宗派の違いについて研究している。
He is researching the differences among Christian denominations.
noun
Extended use for a distinct stylistic or ideological school within arts, literature, or thought.
この俳句の宗派は伝統を重んじる。
This school of haiku values tradition.
Compound of 宗 (しゅう, 'sect, religion') and 派 (は, 'faction, group'). The kanji combination directly conveys the meaning of a religious or ideological branch.