Gemini Thinking
his illustration visualizes Nichiren’s self-identification as the forerunner of the 'Bodhisattvas of the Earth' and his assertion that his disciples are fellow messengers of the Buddha. In the composition, I have depicted Nichiren Daishōnin rising from the fissured ground—symbolizing the 'emerging from the earth' from Chapter Fifteen of the Lotus Sūtra—and extending a hand backward. This gesture signifies him as a 'forerunner' leading a multitude of diverse followers who are also emerging from the same cracked earth, visually validating his argument that his disciples share this profound identity. In the upper register, Śākyamuni Buddha is seated upon a cloud and is actively expounding a secret phrase of the Lotus Sūtra, directly linking the scene to the 'Teacher of the Dharma' chapter quoted in the text: "If someone expounds even a phrase of the Lotus Sūtra even to one person in secret... such a person is my messenger." The surrounding gold leaf and mineral blue pigment mountains emphasize the ultimate reality referenced in the treatise and the sacred nature of this moment.
Iconography & Character Identification
Deities/Figures Featured: Śākyamuni Buddha (atop the clouds), Nichiren Daishōnin (the monastic figure in the foreground leading the ascent), and a multitude of diverse figures representing the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
Text Translations:
双子座: Gemini (Found as the artist's signature).
I, Nichiren, am the lone forerunner of the bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth. I may even be one of them. If I am counted as one of the bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth, my disciples and followers too are among the ranks of those bodhisattvas from the earth, are they not? The “Teacher of the Dharma” chapter states, “If someone expounds even a phrase of the Lotus Sūtra even to one person in secret, then you should know that such a person is my messenger, dispatched by Me and carries out My work.” This refers to none other than us.
Nichiren wrote this passage as part of his Treatise on All Phenomena as Ultimate Reality (Shohō Jissō-Shō), sent to the monk Sairen-Bō. He refers to Chapters Ten and Fifteen of the Lotus Sūtra. This passage reminds us of our position as followers of Nichiren, and fellow messengers of Śākyamuni Buddha.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com