In the history of the Zen sect, among the branch sects of Nanshu-zen (Nanzong-chan) from the sixth leader Eno (Huineng), the sect, founded by Baso Doitsu (Mazu Daoyi) who was a successor of Nangaku Ejo (Nanyue Huanrang), has been called the Koshu sect after the sect's base Jiangxi-sheng.
禅宗史において、六祖慧能の南宗禅の系統の中で、南嶽懐譲の後継である馬祖道一に始まる系譜を、その活動拠点である江西省によって、洪州宗と呼ぶ。