Shūei [宗叡] (809–884): Also known as Shuei. A priest of the True Word (Shingon) school in Japan. Born in Kyoto, he entered the priesthood under Saichin on Mount Hiei in 822 and studied the Tendai doctrine under Gishin, the Dharma Characteristics (Hossō) doctrine under Gien, and Esoteric Buddhism under Chishō. He furthered his study of Esoteric Buddhism under Jitsue and received the status of ajari ( āchārya), or Buddhist teacher, from Shinshō. In 862 he went to China where he studied Esoteric Buddhism, and in 865 he returned to Japan. In 879 the imperial court appointed him the superintendent of Tō-ji temple and then administrator of priests.