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.
initiate; formal rank in Tendai and Shingon
Specifically refers to a formal rank or title in the Tendai and Shingon schools of Japanese Buddhism, often conferred through the 伝法灌頂 (denbō kanjō) initiation ceremony.
See also: 伝法灌頂
彼は伝法灌頂を受けて阿闍梨の位を得た。
He received the denbō kanjō and attained the rank of ajari.
monk who conducts religious services
A monk qualified to officiate at Buddhist ceremonies and rituals.
法要では阿闍梨が読経を担当した。
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.