The theory continues that there existed the (kenmitsu) system during the medieval periods, whereby old Buddhism temples such as Enryaku-ji Temple established their status as authentic national religion by maintaining the above-mentioned competitive order and forging a bond of relationship with the ruling class in the nation.
そして、延暦寺などの旧仏教系寺院が、このような秩序を保ちつつ国家権力と密着し、正統な宗教としてのあり方を固めた体制が中世を通じて見られたとするのが顕密体制論である。