Until the Tang Dynasty, the term "Chánshī" (禅师; Dhyana Master) was regularly used for a monk

who was a master of chan, or meditation, versus those who specialized in Dharma (scriptural
teachings) and Vinaya (discipline and moral precepts).[web 1] This included several important figures
who were later not considered to be part of the "Chán school" per se, such as Tiantai Master Zhiyi.
In contemporary China, the term "Chán" (禪), being simply one of many terms for forms of
meditation, is not limited to the Chán school alone. Neither the majority of monastics nor lay people
are formally tied to a given "school" of Buddhist practice, which is different from the situation in
Japan. It is only those senior and experienced practitioners who receive such transmission into
the Chán school. Most temples belong to the Chán school in name, but also embrace other
teachings including those of Tiantai, Pure Land, Huayan, and Yogacara schools, often under the
umbrella term "Chinese Buddhism" (中國佛教). This has been the norm for the past 1000 years,
since the Song Dynasty.
While there are no official organizations to regulate the use of honorary titles, "chánshī" is used as a
title of respect for an adept, typically a monk, who specializes in Chán. "Chánzōng Dàshī" (禅宗大師;
Great Master of the Chán School) is a similar and more specific honorary term, though rather rare.
The same is true for the simple title "Dàshī" (大師; Great Master) which is rarely used to address a
Dharma teacher (and any master of a specific craft or trade); the term is often bestowed
posthumously by followers and students, although there are some exceptions (e.g. Hsing Yun).
The more common term when addressing a Buddhist master is "Shīfu" (師父; Master), which is also
used for any monk or nun as a matter of respect. Strictly speaking, this term, which includes the
relational term for "father" (父), refers more to one's own teacher or preceptor. The term "Făshī" (法
師; Dharma teacher) is more generic, and is used both by lay Buddhists and also by Buddhists
monastics themselves. The general term "Lǎoshī" (老師; Teacher) is also used to address a master
as one's teacher, but this term is a general one, so much so that it is used for a teacher of any
subject.