also: そうしゅ
large number of priests; assembly of monks
Refers to a sizable group of Buddhist priests or monks, often in a formal or ceremonial context.
A large number of priests gathered for the memorial service.
That temple is known as a place of training for an assembly of monks.
Standard kanji form; the reading そうしゅう is the most common.
Alternate reading; less common than そうしゅう.
Compound of 僧 (monk) and 衆 (multitude, group). The reading そうしゅう is the standard on'yomi combination; そうしゅ is a less common variant.