In the administration of Buddhism in the Ritsuryo 律令 government, Sogo played a central part, the supreme post in the hierarchy. In this article, we try to make clear the change of this post in nature and its significance by examining the realities of the appointment and of the functions. Before the downfall of Dokyo 道鏡, the priests having the ability to cure the sick, particularly the Emperors, were often appointed as Sogos. And only specified Sogos could perform the administrative functions. After that, the principle was established that priests should take the post of Risshi 律師, the third rank in Sogo, before being promoted to a higher post. At the same time, it ceased to be an important condition of the appointment whether a priest had the ability to cure the sick or not. This transformation was closely related to the institution of Juzenji 十禅師. At that time the government, we think, intended to reform Sogo so that the major function of Sogo might be that of an administrator.
