Chief Priest
じゅうしょく
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Professional Occupations in Legal, Business, Cultural and Artistic Fields
- Middle : Religious Workers
- Minor : Religious Workers
Summary
The representative role of a Buddhist monk who serves as the head of a temple, performing Buddhist rituals, educational activities, temple management, and handling parishioners.
Description
The Chief Priest serves as the head of a Buddhist temple, handling a wide range of duties including temple operations and management, performing rituals and services, preaching and propagation activities, interactions with parishioners and followers, cemetery management, and more. They also handle temple accounting, maintenance of buildings and facilities, participation in local events, guidance and training of trainee monks, and collaboration and reporting with the sect headquarters and diocese. In modern times, they are also expected to engage in new initiatives such as using digital technology for public relations and online rituals.
Future Outlook
Challenges in temple maintenance due to declining birthrates, aging population, and decreasing parishioners, as well as a shortage of successors, are becoming more serious. On the other hand, temples are being reevaluated for their value in community regeneration and as cultural resources, with new roles expected through the use of digital technology and diverse social contribution activities.
Personality Traits
Able to respond flexibly / Calm and composed / Compassionate / Has leadership / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
No Remote Work / Participation in Local Events / Shift System / Side Jobs Allowed / Temple/Shrine Employment
Career Path
Trainee Monk (After Ordination) → Vice Chief Priest/Temple Staff → Chief Priest → Diocesan Leader/Abbot → Sect Headquarters Staff/Buddhist Studies Researcher
Required Skills
Buddhist Studies / Chanting Sutras / Communication Skills (Dealing with Parishioners and Followers) / Performing Rituals / Preaching / Temple Accounting
Recommended Skills
Building and Cemetery Management / Community Management / Counseling Skills / IT Literacy (Website Management)
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | High interpersonal skills are required for dialogues with believers and local residents, as well as preaching. |
| Initiative & Leadership | Because leadership needs to be demonstrated in community activities and temple management. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because continuous learning of Buddhist doctrines and classical languages is required for specialized knowledge acquisition. |
| Planning & Organization | Because planning and coordination for annual events, rituals, and temple operations are necessary. |
Related Qualifications
- Ordination
Aliases
- Monk
- Temple Chief Priest
Related Jobs
- Assistant Chief Priest
- Monk