Daijō Hōō or Daijō Hō (both accepted readings of 太上法皇), term sometimes translated in English as cloistered Emperor, was a Japanese Emperor (Tennō) who abdicated and entered the Buddhist monastic community by receiving the Pravrajya rite. The term can also be shortened in Hōō (法皇).
Cloistered emperors sometimes acted as Daijō Tennō (retired emperors), therefore maintaining effective power. This title was first assumed by Emperor Shōmu and was later used by many other emperors who "took the tonsure", signifying a decision to become a Buddhist monk.
Read more about Cloistered Emperor: Heian Period, Edo Period
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