Monks studied Buddhist theory in the Seven Great Temples of Nara (Daian-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, Genko-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple, Saidai-ji Temple and Horyu-ji Temple) and sects called Nanto rokushu "six Nara sects" (Sanron sect, Jojitsu sect, Hosso sect, Kusha sect, Kegon sect, and Ritsu sect) were formed.
僧侶は南都七大寺(大安寺、薬師寺、元興寺、興福寺、東大寺、西大寺、法隆寺）などの寺において仏教の教理を研究し、南都六宗（三論宗、成実宗、法相宗、倶舎宗、華厳宗、律宗）という学派が形成された。