also: あざり
high monk; high priest
Honorific Buddhist term for a senior monk of exemplary conduct who serves as a role model for disciples. Abbreviation of 阿闍梨耶, from Sanskrit ācārya.
As an ajari of Mount Hiei, he trained many disciples.
monk who conducts religious services
A monk qualified to officiate at Buddhist ceremonies and rituals.
At the memorial service, the ajari was in charge of chanting the sutras.
The esoteric initiation ceremony through which one attains the rank of 阿闍梨 in Shingon and Tendai Buddhism.
Standard kanji spelling; the reading あじゃり is more common than あざり.
Alternate reading; less common than あじゃり.
Abbreviation of 阿闍梨耶 (ajariya), from Sanskrit ācārya meaning 'teacher' or 'preceptor'. Entered Japanese through Buddhist texts.