high priest; virtuous monk; holy man
Buddhist term for a monk of high virtue or a saintly figure. Often used historically or in formal religious contexts.
Hōnen Shōnin is regarded as the founder of the Jōdo sect.
A renowned high priest lived in that temple.
Reverend; Venerable
Honorific suffix attached to the name of a high-ranking or respected Buddhist monk. Similar to 'Reverend' in English.
The teachings of Shinran Shōnin influenced many people.
This temple is a place associated with Kūkai Shōnin.
holy men who abstain from meat and cooked food
From Middle Chinese 上人 (d͡ʑɨɐŋX ȵiɪn), literally 'superior person'. The term was adopted into Japanese Buddhist usage to refer to a monk of high virtue.