Shoken studied under Kanpen ("Daigoji Sanpoin ryu Denju Mokuroku" (Catalog of books for initiation of Sanpoin, Daigo-ji Temple)), Ninnikusen School founder, and was promoted to the rank of Gon Risshi (generally in Shingon sect, fifteenth-ranking Buddhist priest, literally, "supernumerary master of discipline") in 1158.
忍辱仙流の祖である寛遍（『醍醐寺三宝院流伝授目録』）に師事し、1158年（保元3年）権律師に任じられる。