It is thought that this originated from the hierarchy of Kumano Sanzan (three major shrines in Kumano), onshi (low-ranking Shinto priest) - sendatsu (guide) - danna (supporter), or the hierarchy of Jodo Shinshu (the True Pure Land Sect of Buddhism) Hongan-ji school, hoshu (high priest) - ikkeshu (one lineage group related to hoshu) - matsuji (priest of a branch temple) - monto (follower.)
こうした構造は熊野三山の御師－先達－檀那という階層構造や、浄土真宗本願寺教団の法主－一家衆－末寺－門徒という構造がその原型として考えられる。