He initially studied the doctrine of Hosso Sect under Taiki of Todai-ji Temple and Chukei of Yakushi-ji Temple, he became in 824 a disciple of Jichie, a monk of Shingon Sect, after receiving religious precept.
初め東大寺泰基・薬師寺仲継に法相教学を学んだが、受戒後の824年（天長元年）真言宗の実恵（じちえ）の門下に入った。