He entered the priesthood in 681, learned the methods of education and learning such as Hosso sect at Kandai-ji Temple, and formed a new group committed to social activities, including relief for the poor, flood control, and bridge construction mainly in the Kinki Region.
681年に出家、官大寺で法相宗などの教学を学び、集団を形成して近畿地方を中心に貧民救済・治水・架橋などの社会事業に活動した。