Gyōki was a monk of the Nara period who, initially suppressed by the court for unauthorized public preaching, was recognized for his popular appeal and contributions to public works — building bridges, roads, temples, and irrigation facilities — and in 745 was granted by Emperor Shōmu the highest monastic rank of 'Daisōjō.' For the construction of the Great Buddha (Rushanabutsu) at Tōdaiji, Gyōki led a nationwide fundraising campaign (kanjin), traveling the country to gather donations and labor from the common people. This construction of the Great Buddha embodied Emperor Shōmu's wish to protect the nation through the power of Buddhism, and could not have been realized without Gyōki's mobilization of the populace. He is highly regarded in the history of Japanese Buddhism as a pioneer of popular Buddhism.