遼代社會崇信佛教的風氣盛行，出家為僧尼者甚多，但是《遼史》對此一景象所述頗為簡略，因此筆者另外從遼人墓誌銘、建寺塔記、造經幢記等石刻文獻，蒐集遼人出家的相關記載，撰寫成本文。先討論遼人出家眾多的情形，再進一步從遼代社會崇信佛教風氣的盛行、家庭崇信佛教環境的促成、個人對佛教悟性的契機、廣建寺院與其經濟力量的雄厚、遼代社會僧侶地位的崇高等五項因素，討論遼人出家眾多的原因。

Buddhism prevailed during the Liao Dynasty; many people left home and became monks and nuns. However, this aspect was mentioned rather sketchily in Liao Shi. Consequently, the author composes this article based on epitaph, and other inscriptions on pagodas, temple pillars, and stones. It was evident that people during the Liao time left their home to pursue monastic life for the following reasons, such as: the flourish of Buddhism in the Liao society; highly-esteemed social status enjoyes by the priests; economic affluence and mass construction of temples; personal enlightenment and inspiration in Buddhism as well as family support and encouragement.