eight schools ［八宗］ ( hasshū): The eight major schools of Buddhism in Japan before the Kamakura period (1185–1333). They are the Dharma Analysis Treasury (Kusha), Establishment of Truth (Jōjitsu), Precepts (Ritsu), Dharma Characteristics (Hossō), Three Treatises (Sanron), Flower Garland (Kegon), Tendai, and True Word (Shingon) schools. The first six schools flourished in the Nara period (710–794), and the Tendai and True Word schools appeared and rose to prominence during the Heian period (794–1185).