"It was not until after he had founded his church that he began to call himself by the extraordinary title, "The Living God, The Great God Konkō." He declared that his "roots" were the same as those of God. Yet this remarkable manifestation of an expanded ego was united with the utmost humility. To the end of his life he preserved the character of a simple, self-abnegating farmer. There is no evidence that during his lifetime he ever invited or permitted worship on the part of his followers. Almost on his death-bed he declared with tears of gratitude and humility in his eyes that he could not cease to thank God that He had opened His truth to an ignorant man like himself. The followers of Konkō Daijin have described this dual consciousness as the union of complete man and complete God. It suggests the twofold nature ascribed to Jesus."