Conceptual Summary
The illustration is a traditional Japanese-style Buddhist painting on silk, capturing the core concepts of Nichiren’s letter. The central figure is the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha, distinct from forbidden figures, seated on a lotus throne. His aura and hand gesture (Abhaya mudra) represent the spirit of the Eternal Buddha that "enters into our bodies," enabling the practice. Flanking him are the Bodhisattvas Manjushri and Samantabhadra, representing wisdom and praxis. Below the main assembly, Nichiren is depicted as a devout priest (Shonin) kneeling on a mat, hands clasped, illustrating his commitment to chanting and teaching the Odaimoku, the "heart of the sutra." The background features stylized 'hemp' and 'mugwort' grasses growing together, directly visualizing the metaphor that mugwort, though not straight, is 'straightened' by growing amongst the hemp, symbolizing how the mind is straightened by chanting the Lotus Sutra. The square composition uses traditional pigments and subtle gold accents.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Shakyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai, interpreted as the Eternal Buddha)
Manjushri Bodhisattva (Monju Bosatsu, on the lion)
Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Fugen Bosatsu, on the elephant)
Nichiren Shonin (seated as a priest below)
Item 2: Text Translations:
'双子座' (Kanji, right side): "Gemini"
'ジェミニ' (Katakana, red seal): "Gemini"
I, Nichiren, sincerely keep the most profound Lotus Sutra among other sutras which have been preached, are being preached, and will be preached. I also chant Odaimoku, the heart of the sutra, by myself and teach others to chant it. Mugwort grass grows straight amidst the hemp field. Trees do not grow straight, but by cutting them straight, they become useful. If you chant the sutra as it instructs, your mind will be straightened. Be aware that is hard for us the chant even the title of the sutra unless the spirit of the Eternal Buddha enters into our bodies.
Nichiren wrote this passage in his Letter to Myomitsu Shonin (Myomitsu Shonin Gosho). This instruction ties together the practice of reciting devotion to the title of the Lotus Sūtra, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, and the mind of the ever-present Buddha Shakyamuni. It is through unimaginable deeds of merit that we have met this Sūtra in our lives and have the opportunity to use it to find the Buddha’s wisdom and benefit all beings in this world of conflict and delusion. We are also fortunate to have Nichiren as an example of how to bring this teaching to life. May our gratitude for the merits we have received strengthen our determination to transform the obstacles we face into opportunities we welcome.
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