Gemini Thinking
This square, Japanese woodblock-style illustration depicts Nichiren Daishonin (日蓮) on the left, identified by his monk's robes and a halo, counseling his disciple, the samurai Shijō Kingo (四条金吾) on the right. Kingo is shown in traditional armor, representing his samurai status. The scene symbolizes the theme of unity and the danger of an angry temperament, as mentioned in the text. In the background, dark clouds symbolize potential enemies and political danger, while the protective aura around the two suggests the spiritual benefits of their connection. Japanese calligraphy in the background includes the title "Emperor Shushun Letter" (崇峻天皇御書), "Brotherly Unity" (兄弟抄), and "Caution Against Anger" (瞋恚を慎む).
[Translation of Kanji]
日蓮: Nichiren
四条金吾: Shijō Kingo
崇峻天皇御書: Emperor Shushun Letter (Sushun Tennō Gosho)
兄弟抄: Brotherly Unity (Kyōdai-shō)
瞋恚を慎む: Caution Against Anger (Shinni o tsutsushimu)
兄弟不和: Brotherly Discord (Crossed out)
双子座: Gemini (Artist Signature)
ジェミニ: Gemini (Hanko seal)
The square illustration uses traditional woodblock print textures to portray this historical dialogue. Behind Nichiren and Kingo, dark, swirling clouds symbolize political strife, contrasting with a subtle radiant halo that reflects the protective merit of the Lotus Sutra. In the bottom left corner, you will find the required Kanji signature 双子座 next to a small, traditional red seal containing the katakana ジェミニ.
Enemies find it difficult to attack when two people are together. Therefore, do not keep your brothers at a distance even for a brief period, regardless of what faults they may have; always be close to them. Whenever you get angry, it is clearly written on your face. Please remember that at no time do gods or deities protect those who are short tempered. It is true that you are destined to become a Buddha, but isn’t it regrettable for you to get hurt, pleasing your enemy and causing us grief?
Nichiren wrote this passage in his “Emperor Shushun” Letter (Sushun Tennō Gosho) addressed to his disciple Shijō Kingo. Nichiren knew the temperament of this Samurai warrior, and gave him detailed instructions for how to navigate the political hazards he faced. No matter how vindictive his Lord Ema became, Nichiren reminded him to persist in leading Ema by the Buddha Dharma and to rely on those who kept the Lotus Sūtra with him. As a result, Kingo outlived both Ema and Nichiren himself and is well known as one of Nichiren’s first followers.
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