四衆

Readings

Kana: ししゅ、ししゅう
Romaji: shishu, shishū
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

four orders of Buddhist followers (monks, nuns, male lay devotees and female lay devotees)

2

four monastic communities (ordained monks, ordained nuns, male novices and female novices)

3

(in Tendai) the four assemblies

Kanji

Readings: シ、 よ、 よ.つ、 よっ.つ、 よん
Meaning: four
Readings: シュウ、 シュ、 おお.い
Meanings: masses, great numbers, multitude, populace