Saicho wrote his own ideas about Buddhism in "Sangegakushoshiki," in which he emphasized that he wanted to have those who took vows on Mt. Hiei spend 12 years in Rozan training on the mountain, and after finishing take over the guidance of junior monks on Mt. Hiei if appropriate, or go out and work as Buddhist leaders all over Japan.
最澄は自らの仏教理念を示した『山家学生式』（さんげがくしょうしき）の中で、比叡山で得度（出家）した者は12年間山を下りずに籠山修行に専念させ、修行の終わった者はその適性に応じて、比叡山で後進の指導に当たらせ、あるいは日本各地で仏教界のリーダーとして活動させたいと主張した。