Yoshikado Mibu was born in the eastern region and was brought up in the uncivilized territory. He enjoyed archery and rode various horses. He enjoyed fishing in the water to keep cool in the summer and hunted across the fields in the autumn wind. He engaged in these activities according to the local customs and habits.

A holy man, Kūshō, who excelled others in his knowledge and piety, developed a close friendship with Yoshikado. Kūshō advised Yoshikado, “Existence as a human being is difficult to attain and easy to lose while the Three Evil Worlds are easy to enter and hard to leave. You should abandon random killing, cultivate a merciful mind, give up secular profits and look forward to achieving Buddhahood.”

Following Kūshō’s suggestions, Yoshikado ended his evil deeds, stopped taking lives, corrected his wrong views, and practised the Buddhist way. He copied the Hokekyō with gold dust and offered dedicatory services for it; he made golden-hued statutes of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, and paid homage to them. His very deep faith permeated him and his many good friends.

Yoshikado offered a great vow, “In my lifetime, I will make one thousand copies of the Hokekyō with gold dust and offer dedicatory services for them.”

Since making his vow, he had abstained from eating fish and meat, and was devoted to the Way. He took all that he had saved, bought gold dust, and engaged himself in copying the sūtra, spending scores of years.

At the time of his dedicatory services, various unusual signs were revealed. Some beautiful white lotus blossoms were scattered of their own accord in the garden where the Buddhist services took place.

Delicate music was heard in the worship hall. Various Heavenly Boys appeared holding flowers. Unusual birds flew and whistled overhead. Guardian deities gathered and paid their respects by clasping their hands. Marvelous revelations sometimes were given in Yoshikado’s dreams and at other times were presented as realities.

Finally, Yoshikado realized his wish by completing one thousand copies of the sūtra as he had vowed. In his last moments, Yoshikado washed his hands and mouth, and said to the people around him, “Several thousands of Heavenly Ladies are descending from the sky with harmonious music. Following them, I am going to ascend to Tosotsu Heaven.” As he finished speaking, Yoshikado took his last breath while clasping his hands. (Page 130-131)