Tenzo (Japanese: 典座) is a title given to the chef at a Buddhist monastery. The word tenzo is Japanese for "seat of ceremony", similar to the English term "master of ceremonies." From ancient times Buddhist monasteries have had six office-holders who, as disciples of the Buddha, guide the monastic community. Amongst these, the tenzo bears the responsibility of caring for the community's meals. The Zen Monastic Standards states; "The tenzo functions as the one who makes offerings with reverence to the monks."