noun
Zen temple administrator; one of the six chief administrators of a Zen temple who substitutes for the chief priest
Buddhist term. One of the six administrators (六知事) in a Zen temple, acting as a substitute for the chief priest when needed. The reading かんす is most common; かんず and かんじ are also used.
See also: 六知事
監寺は住職の代理として法要を執り行った。
The temple administrator conducted the memorial service as a substitute for the chief priest.
禅寺では監寺が重要な役割を担っている。
In Zen temples, the temple administrator plays an important role.
Variant kanji spelling; less common than 監寺.
六知事 refers to the six chief administrators of a Zen temple collectively; 監寺 is one specific role among them.
From Middle Chinese 監寺 (kˠam zɨH), literally 'oversee temple'. The reading かんす is the go-on reading; かんじ is the kan-on reading. かんず is a variant with rendaku.