As background for the protection of the government (the shogunate), it was supported by Japanese feudal lords and made efforts to civilize people through social works by monks such as Doko TETSUGEN, so that it gradually extended its influence.
幕府の外護を背景として、大名達の支援を得て、鉄眼道光らに代表される社会事業などを通じて民間の教化にも努めたため、次第に教勢が拡大した。