At age 14, he went to Mt. Hiei where he entered the Buddhist priesthood under Saichin before later learning the Hosso Sect teachings from Gien of Kofuku-ji Temple, the Tendai Sect teachings from Gishin of Enryaku-ji Temple, Diamond Realm and Womb Realm mandalas from Enchin, Shingon Sect teachings from Jitsue, and being consecrated by Shinsho of Zenrin-ji Temple (Kyoto City).
14歳で比叡山に入り載鎮に師事して出家し、のちに興福寺の義演から法相教学を、延暦寺の義真から天台教学を、円珍から金剛界・胎蔵界両部を、実慧から真言密教を学び、禅林寺(京都市)の真紹から灌頂を受けた。