National Preceptor（国师）:

In Chinese, it is pronounced as: guó shī，Written as:

The term “National Preceptor” is a historical term that refers to a senior advisor or scholar in ancient China, particularly during the feudal dynastic era, who was heavily relied upon by the emperor or supreme ruler of the state and endowed with significant political, military, religious, or cultural duties. National Preceptors were usually individuals with profound knowledge and outstanding abilities who could offer counsel and guidance to the monarch in areas such as governance, military strategy, and religious affairs. The status of a National Preceptor was often very high, even to the extent of influencing the monarch’s decisions, making them a crucial component of the ancient political system.

“National Preceptor” is merely a title and, strictly speaking, does not confer significant authority (with some dynastic exceptions). However, National Preceptors were typically favored by emperors. They promulgated various religious theories and beliefs in divine rights, spirits, and Immortality, which monarchs often believed. Because National Preceptors could influence the emperor and were favored by them, they could leverage the emperor’s power to accomplish many things, suddenly becoming very powerful figures.

Most often, the title of National Preceptor was not a specific position but just a title given predominantly to religious figures. Generally, the title of National Preceptor in China started with Fa Chang during the Northern Qi Dynasty. Throughout Chinese history, in dynasties predominantly ruled by the Han people, National Preceptors usually came from “Taoism”. In states established by ethnic minorities, during certain periods, National Preceptors often came from “Buddhism”.