Then he learned the Monju belief and conducted ascetic practices at Gyogi associated Chikurin-ji Temple (Kochi City), but from what Ninsho has told his master, Eison, since he did not choose to become a priest himself, he was not so passionate with activities as a Buddhist monk ("Kongo Butsushi Eison Kanjingakushoki").
以後、文殊信仰を学んだ後に行基ゆかりの竹林寺(高知市)などで修行を重ねたが、忍性が後に師の叡尊に語ったところによれば、自主的な出家ではなかったために僧侶としての活動は決して熱心ではなかったという（『金剛仏子叡尊感身学正記』）。