Gemini Thinking
In this square illustration, Lord Ueno is depicted reading a scroll in the foreground, with an expression of resolute confidence. Looming behind him are grim-faced officials and samurai, representing the formidable opponents of his faith who might threaten his life and property. On the right, the sea features a small turtle approaching a wooden plank with a hole, a classic Buddhist metaphor for the extreme rareness of encountering the correct teaching. Above this, the uḍumbara flower, which blooms but once in a millennium, grows from the wave, while the text 千 (one thousand) is visible within its petals. The artist's signature and seal are in the lower right corner.
If those of high rank reproach you, view them as formidable enemies of the Lotus Sutra. Consider the opportunity as rare as seeing an uḍumbara that blooms only once in 1000 years, or a blind turtle by chance encountering a log floating in the ocean, and respond with confidence. Even a person who possesses a fief as large as 1000 or 10,000 chō may have his land confiscated or lose his life over a small matter. If you must lay down your life for the sake of the Lotus Sutra, have no regrets.
Nichiren wrote this passage in a Reply to Lord Ueno (Ueno-dono Gohenji). Lord Ueno enjoyed a privileged position in society and was concerned about losing his status and belongings as a result of his faith in the Lotus Sūtra. In this letter, Nichiren reminded Lord Ueno of his true purpose in life, that he had come as a Bodhisattva to benefit all beings by leading them to enlightenment with the Buddha Dharma.
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