(sect) founder; apostle; originator; inventor
この宗派の開祖は鎌倉時代の僧侶だ。
The founder of this sect was a Kamakura-period monk.
開祖の教えは今も多くの信者に伝わっている。
The founder's teachings are still passed down to many followers.
茶道の開祖として千利休は有名だ。
Sen no Rikyu is famous as the founder of the tea ceremony.