He was selected in 848 as one of Juzenji (ten selected excellent priests) of Enryaku-ji Temple Joshin-in and after being selected as one of Naigubu Juzenji (ten selected excellent priests for a Buddhist service conducted at the Imperial court), he was finally inaugurated as the head priest of the Tendai Sect in 864.
848年（承和13年）延暦寺定心院十禅師に任じられ、内供奉十禅師を経て、864年（貞観6年）天台座主に就任した。