Kurozumi Munetada (1780-1850) was a priest in a Shinto shrine and founder of a denomination known as Kurozumikyo. The two narrators have gathered 127 stories from his extraordinary life and ministry. He was a faith healer, a believer in filial piety, and a practitioner of gratitude and benevolence. These stories, which all point to the munificence of Kami (a general term for the Spirits of nature, family ancestors, and cultural heroes), have been translated by Sumio Kamiya and edited by Willis Stoesz.
In a tale called "Praying for the Arsonist," Munetada prays for the well-being and good fortune of this man so he will "regain his true inner heart." Three weeks later, the repentant fellow confesses and becomes a follower of the Way. Other teachings shine through these stories including the benefits of laughter, the way one word can invigorate a person, the importance of combating self-conceit, and the wisdom of letting things take their course rather than trying to make things happen.
Munetada proclaims that "sincerity is the virtue that brings about the true praise of the soul." That is evident in these stories where even disasters and troubles are turned into something accepted by the grateful heart.