(668–749). Hoss ( D sh ) monk who popularized Buddhism through his selfless activities. He was a descendant of a Korean king, and studied Buddhism at the Yakushi-ji. But instead of remaining monastery-based, he travelled about, building roads, temples, and bridges—and performing magical signs. Knowing of his high regard among the people, the emperor Sh mu asked him to undertake the building of the daibutsu at Todaiji. He was also believed popularly to be the incarnation of Mañju r .