Sōkan


This is an article on Buddhist rankings. For the artist, see Yamazaki Sōkan.
Sōkan is the Japanese system of rankings for clergy in Buddhism in Japan. There are three ranks, collectively known as Sōgō, comprising ten categories or levels, followed by a series of titles known collectively as sōi. There is an abridged form for each of the three ranks; monastics or priests are often referred to by their rank rather than title.

Ranks

The first rank, sōjo, consists of three levels:
  • Dai-sōjō
  • Sōjō
  • Gon-sōjo
The second rank, sōzu, has four levels:
  • Dai-sōzu
  • Gon-dai-sōzu
  • Shō-sōzu
  • Gon-shō-sōzu
The third rank, risshi, contains three levels:
  • Dai-risshi
  • Chū-risshi
  • Gon-risshi
Those monks could then earn the following titles, known as sōi:
  • Hōin - Seal of the Law for the sōjo rank
  • Hōgen - Eye of the Law for the sōzu rank
  • Hōkyō - Bridge of the Law for the risshi rank