The Japanese term Kamon literally means “divide literature.” Ka means “to divide.” Kamon is an expression used to explain this process: first, sūtras or works explaining sutras are divided into sections. Then each division is expressed by a brief explanation of the contents. At the end of this process, the composition and gist of the entire work can be presented briefly.

In Chinese Buddhism, it was thought that this process was a necessary element when presenting one’s personal interpretation of sūtras or of works explaining sūtras. Many such kamon regarding the Lotus Sūtra were presented. The most famous, and the one with the greatest influence, was that expressed by Grand Master Tiāntái. Nichiren Shōnin built his theories based on the kamon of Tendai Daishi.