Shakyo was necessary to spread Buddhism in a time when printing technology had not been developed, and it was also necessary for many priests in a single temple to conduct ascetic practice, to give lectures, and to conduct research.
写経は、印刷技術が発展していなかった時代には仏法を広めるため、またはひとつの寺院でも複数の僧侶で修行・講義・研究するために必要なことであった。