And while on the one hand Enryaku-ji Temple (the main temple of Mt. Hiei, also called "Sanmon"), which had shouldered the burden of spiritually protecting the state throughout the Heian period, zealously poured considerable effort into teaching its doctrine and promoting systematic study of its precepts, it also acquired political might through its prayers and incantations coupled with the military strength of its sohei (warrior monks).
平安時代を通じて鎮護国家を担う山門（比叡山延暦寺）勢力は教義の教えや体系的な学問にはげむ一方、加持祈祷や僧兵の武力を通じて、政治権力を持つようになった。