Guanding

Zhang'an Guanding (章安灌顶, 561–632 CE) was a Chinese Buddhist monk and exegete during the Sui dynasty (581–618). Guanding is traditionally recognized as the principal disciple and successor of Zhiyi (538–597 CE), the eminent founder of the Tiantai school (天台宗). He is also traditionally regarded as the fourth patriarch of the Tiāntāi tradition. Guanding played a decisive role in the preservation, organization, and transmission of Zhiyi's teachings, notably by ensuring that many of his master's oral discourses were systematically recorded and edited into written form. His efforts were instrumental in shaping the doctrinal and institutional legacy of Tiāntāi Buddhism.

Guanding was sometimes referred to by the name of his birthplace, Zhang'an (章安), and is thus often called "Master Zhang'an" (章安大師) in historical records. Following Zhiyi's death, Guanding assumed responsibility for compiling his master's teachings, especially by writing down the "Three Great Works of Tiāntāi" (天台三大部), which is considered his major contribution to the establishment of Tiāntāi doctrine.