Myōtatsu was a resident priest of the Fuyama-Ryūgeji Temple of the Takawa District of Dewa Province. Being pure in mind and conduct, he was not spoiled by the vulgarities of life. He firmly followed the precepts, always feared sins and crime, and recited the Hokekyō. He avoided idleness, was filled with mercy, and always enjoyed offering blessings and benefits to others.

In the ninth year of Tenryaku, Myōtatsu, with no particular illness or pain, suddenly passed away holding a copy of the Hokekyō in his hand and arrived at the King Yama’s palace. King Yama descended from his seat and paid homage to Myōtatsu, saying, “You are not called here because of the termination of your life span, but on account of your devotion to the Hokekyō and your deep knowledge of both the Buddhist and Chinese writings. You are the guardian of the Correct Law in these degenerated times. I have invited you here to urge you to explain good and evil deeds to all the people in Japan. So Holy Man, Myōtatsu, benefit your people by encouraging their practice of good deeds and by discouraging their practice of evil deeds. The effect on the good and the bad souls shall be recorded in separate writings.”

Seven days later, Myōtatsu revived, and told others about his experiences in King Yama’s Palace, explaining about the Land After Death. All who listened were awestruck, abstained from evil deeds, and entered Buddhahood. They practised good deeds, made Buddhist images, copied the sūtras, and constructed halls and pagodas. Their numbers were countless. This was all due to hearing and believing Myōtatsu who once died and brought King Yama’s message.

Myōtatsu respected the Hokekyō during his entire life and achieved the Way. In his last moments, with an incense burner in his hand, Myōtatsu single-mindedly paid homage to the Three Treasures as well as to the various Buddhas for one-hundred-and-eight times. Paying his last homage, he touched the ground with his forehead, his palms pressed together over his head, and passed away. (Page 37-38)