noun
one of the six administrators of a Zen temple (in charge of general affairs)
Buddhist term; specifically a role in Zen temple administration. The reading いの is also attested but less common.
See also: 六知事
維那は禅寺の六知事の一つで、庶務を担当する。
The ina is one of the six administrators of a Zen temple, responsible for general affairs.
六知事 refers to the six administrative positions collectively, while 維那 is one specific role among them.
Buddhist term of Chinese origin; the exact derivation is uncertain, but the kanji 維 (maintain) and 那 (a phonetic element) are conventionally associated with this administrative role.