The Gozanha system flourished under Soseki MUSO, to whom Takauji ASHIKAGA had paid respect; ultimately it produced many high-ranking priests, such as Myoha SHUNOKU, Shushin GIDO and Chushin ZEKKAI, thereby exerting considerable influence on the policies of the Muromachi bakufu with reverence by the successive Ashikaga shoguns.
足利尊氏の崇敬を受けてきた夢窓疎石のもとで大きく発展し、以後も春屋妙葩・義堂周信・絶海中津などの高僧を輩出して歴代足利将軍の崇敬を受けて、室町幕府の政策にも影響を与えた。