Translation guide
In a traditional Zen Buddhist temple, the six administrators (六知事) are senior monks who oversee specific practical and spiritual functions. This entry explains the roles and how to refer to them in Japanese.
Referring to the group of six administrators collectively or to one of them in a general sense.
Referring to a particular administrative role within the six.
the chief administrator of a Zen temple · the treasurer of a Zen temple
The chief administrator (sometimes called the 'comptroller' or 'director'). This is the highest of the six positions.
都寺は寺の運営全体を監督します。
The chief administrator oversees the entire operation of the temple.
These terms are highly specific to traditional Zen monastic settings. In modern or casual conversation about temple administration, people may simply use 管理者 (かんりしゃ, administrator) or describe the role in plain language.
A Zen temple has six administrators.
Means 'one of the six administrators'. Use this when you want to say someone holds one of these positions without specifying which one.
彼は六知事の一人です。
He is one of the six administrators.
The assistant chief administrator, who helps the 都寺 and may oversee daily affairs.
監寺は修行僧の指導も行います。
The assistant administrator also instructs the trainee monks.
The treasurer, responsible for financial matters and temple property.
副寺が会計を担当しています。
The treasurer is in charge of accounting.
The rector or disciplinarian, who maintains order in the meditation hall and oversees the monks' conduct.
維那は坐禅中の規律を守ります。
The rector enforces discipline during zazen.
The head cook, who manages the kitchen and meal preparation. This is considered a very important practice role.
典座は食事の準備を通して修行します。
The head cook practices through meal preparation.
The guest prefect or work leader, who is in charge of receiving guests and supervising manual labor.
直歳が来客の応対をします。
The guest prefect attends to visitors.