There are eight schools of Chinese Buddhism. Four of them
emphasize the meaning of the Dharma. They are T'ien-t'ai, Hua-yen
(or Avatamsaka), Fa-hsiang (or Yogachara) [Other names for the
Fa-hsiang school is Dharmalaksana or Mind-Only school], and San-lun
[San-lun means three sastras] (or Madhyamika). The other four
schools are weighted more towards practice. They are the Ch'an,
Pure Land, Vinaya, and Mantra schools.
Each of the eight schools has its unique characteristics, and there
is a verse that highlights the differences.
Mantra [school for the] rich, Ch 'an poor, Pure Land
convenient.
Yogachara meticulous, Chia-hsiang [Chia-hsiang was the founder of
the San-lun school] emptiness.
Hua-yen classical, Vinaya discipline.
T'ien-t'ai methodic in presenting the teachings.