宗派 (zōngpài) refers to a sect, school, or branch within a larger religious, philosophical, or ideological tradition. The character 宗 (zōng) means 'ancestral temple' or 'origin/orthodoxy', conveying authority and foundational doctrine; 派 (pài) means 'school' or 'faction', suggesting a distinct lineage or interpretive approach. Together, 宗派 emphasizes an organized group that shares specific doctrines, practices, and historical roots — commonly used for Buddhist, Daoist, Christian, or Confucian subdivisions, as well as in academic or political contexts.

This term carries a neutral-to-formal register and is rarely used for informal interest groups or casual clubs. It often implies institutional continuity, doctrinal boundaries, and sometimes rivalry with other 宗派. While it can describe traditional religious divisions (e.g., Zen vs. Pure Land Buddhism), it also appears in modern discussions of intellectual trends or organizational factions — always suggesting structured identity and shared principles rather than mere personal preference.