In the late Heian period, as influenced by "Ojoyoshu" (The Essentials of Salvation) by Genshin (a priest) and other writings, Jodo-shinko (the Pure Land faith) which prays for resurrection to Saiho Gokuraku Jodo were spread, and also Mappo-shiso (the "end of the world" belief) which considers the present world as the end of the world where Buddhism has declined was spread.
平安時代後期になると、源信(僧侶)の『往生要集』などの影響で、阿弥陀如来の住する西方極楽浄土への再生を願う浄土信仰が広まり、また、現世を仏法の衰えた末法の世とする末法思想が広まった。