Rinzai sect 臨済宗
Rinzai is the Japanese name of the Chinese Linji or Lin-chi sect of Buddhism. The Rinzai school is known for its emphasis on sudden enlightenment and the use of devices like the koan to achieve this end. Founded in Tang China by Linji, it was later brought to Japan by Eisai in 1191.
The Rinzai school has historically been closely linked to various martial arts traditions in Japan, China, and Korea. In pre-modern Japan, Rinzai was widely popular among the warrior aristocracy and samurai, in distinction from Sōtō Zen which was more associated with artists and poets.
In brief
Founder: Linji (臨済), China, c. 850
Chinese name: Linji (臨済), named after founder
First Introduction to Japan: Eisai (栄西), 1191 AD
Major Influences: Hosso, Kegon
Doctrine: zazen (座禅, "sitting meditation"), especially koan (公案, "public matter") practice
Primary Texts: Transcendental Wisdom Sutras aka Prajnaparamita Sutras (般若波羅蜜経), incl. Heart Sutra
Head Temples : Daitoku-ji (Kyoto), Tenryū-ji (Kyoto), Nanzen-ji (Kyoto), Myōshin-ji (Kyoto).
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