Zhanran

Jingxi Zhanran (Chinese: 荆溪湛然; pinyin: Zhànrán; Wade–Giles: Chan-jan; J. Keikei Tannen; K. Hyŏnggye Tamyŏn, c. 711-782) was the sixth patriarch of the Tiantai school of Chinese Buddhism. Zhanran is considered to be the most important Tiantai figure after the founder Zhiyi. He was also called Master Miaole (Sublime Bliss), Dharma Master Jizhu (Lord of Exegesis), and Jingqi (荊溪) after his birthplace.

Zhanran helped define, defend, and popularize the Tiantai tradition during the Tang dynasty, further developing its doctrinal system based on Zhiyi's writings. He authored important commentaries on Zhiyi's works as well as original treatises of his own. He is also the first figure to use the term "Tiantai School" (Tiantai zong).