noun
five-period classification of the Buddha's teachings
A Tendai (Tiantai) doctrinal system that divides the Buddha's 50-year teaching career into five chronological periods. Often discussed alongside 五時八教. Used in academic or sectarian Buddhist contexts.
See also: 五時八教
天台宗では、釈迦の教えを五時教に分類する。
In the Tendai sect, the Buddha's teachings are classified into the five-period teaching.
五時教は、華厳・阿含・方等・般
The five-period teaching consists of the Avatamsaka, Agama, Vaipulya, Prajnaparamita, and Lotus-Nirvana periods.
From 五時 (five periods) + 教 (teaching). A technical term of Chinese origin (wǔshí jiào) adopted into Japanese Buddhist terminology.