While protecting Buddhism as a state religion, the Imperial Court controlled it strictly with laws and regulations such as Soni ryo (Regulations for Monks and Nuns) and restricted private missionary activities by stipulating procedures and qualifications to become a monk or nun.
朝廷は国教として仏教を保護するいっぽう、「僧尼令」などの法令によってきびしく統制し、僧侶になる手続きや資格をさだめて仏教の民間布教に制限を加えた。