InBuddhism, theabbot (Pali:𑀲𑀗𑁆𑀖𑀡𑀸𑀬𑀓,romanized: saṅghanāyaka) is the head of a Buddhistmonastery or largeBuddhist temple.[2] In Buddhist nunneries, the nun who holds the equivalent position is known as theabbess (Pali:𑀲𑀗𑁆𑀖𑀦𑀸𑀬𑀓𑀸,romanized: saṅghanāyakā).
In English-speaking countries, the English word "abbot" is used instead of all the various words that exist in the languages of the countries where Buddhism is, or was historically, well established.
An abbot is amonk who holds the position of administrator of a monastery or large temple.[3] The administrative duties of an abbot or abbess include overseeing the day-to-day running of the monastery.[3][4] The abbot or abbess also holds spiritual responsibility for the monastics under their care, and is required to interact with the abbots or abbesses of other monasteries.[5]
Asian countries where Buddhism is still widely practiced have words in their own languages for the abbot of a Buddhist monastery or large temple:
In ChineseChan Buddhist monasteries, a common word for abbot isFāngzhàng (方丈) meaning "one squarezhàng (equal to ten square feet)", a reference to the size ofVimalakirti's stone room.[6]
Another word for abbot isZhùchí (住持), meaning "dweller" and "upholder."[7] Monks and nuns tend to be addressed asFǎshī (法師) meaning "Dharma teacher."
In Japanese Buddhism, the most commonly used words for the abbot of a large temple or monastery arejūji (住持),jūjishoku (住持職), or simplyjūshoku (住職). Occasionally the wordjishu (寺主) is used as well, derived from the Sanskrit wordvihārasvāmin which referred to the supervisor of avihāra that contained astupa.
A temple without a priest is denoted by the termmujū (無住).
The following table contains a non-exhaustive list of titles used among the many schools within Japanese Buddhism.
| Sect | General term | Head of sect or temple |
|---|---|---|
| Risshū |
|
|
| Tendai |
|
|
| Shingon |
|
|
| Rinzai Zen |
|
|
| Soto Zen |
|
|
| Jōdo-shū |
|
|
| Jōdo Shinshū |
| |
| Nichiren |
|
|
| Others |
|
|
As shown above, the term 和尚 (Oshō, etc.) can be pronounced several ways, depending on the tradition in question. Its origins are in the Sanskrit wordupādhyāya originally referring to someone who conferred the precepts onto another.
Hōin (法印) was originally a title bestowed upon a monk by the emperor. The title is still used today on a rotating basis. Specifically inKoyasanShingon Buddhism, a senior priest is appointed Hōin for a one year term to serve as officiant for all major ceremonies in Mount Koya. After their term has concluded, they receive the titleZengan (前官).
Shōnin (上人) is a title of respect to one who has attained a certain level of enlightenment.Goin (御院) andInke (院家) refer to the temple proper.
In the case of Pure Land Buddhism, which de-emphasizes discipline in favor of household life, the words for abbacy tend to be a reflection of the institution rather than the person in charge. In theKansai region,Goingesan (ご院家さん),Goinsan (御院さん) andGoensan (ご縁さん) are commonly used amongShin Buddhists. Abbacy also tends to be inherited from family lineage within Pure Land traditions.
Hōushu orHossu (法主) is the title used byEkan Ikeguchi atSaifuku-ji in Kagoshima. It is also used among the Seven Head Temples ofJōdo-shū andTaiseki-ji ofNichiren Shōshū.
In the Tendai tradition, the termZasu 座主 is common. The abbot is also sometimes referred to asYama no zasu (山の座主), meaning "Abbot of the mountain."
Monzeki (門跡) was a term reserved for priests of aristocratic or imperial lineage, and is still used today atDaikaku-ji ofShingon andHongan-ji ofJōdo Shinshū.[8][3][9]
The Korean word for abbot isjuji (住持/주지).[4][6]
The Thai term for the abbot of a temple (wat) ischaoawat (Thai:เจ้าอาวาส).[10]
The abbot of aTibetan Buddhist monastery is known as theKhenpo. This means "the one who gives the monks vows". The abbot is both addressed as and referred to as "Khen Rinpoche".
Another word used for more senior abbots isKhenchen, which means "senior khenpo."[11]
The Vietnamese word for abbot istrụ trì (住持).[12]
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