NotebookLM, Nichiren Study

Nichiren: A Timeline

NotebookLM logo This timeline was created from the sources uploaded to NotebookLM. The “common” dates are used because some sources translate the lunar calendar in Gregorian dates, which can be confusing. Ask questions of these sources here.

February 16, 1222

  • Birth: Born to a fisherman’s family in the coastal village of Kominato in Awa Province. His childhood name is Zen’nichimaro.

1233–1237

  • Early Education & Ordination: At age eleven, he enters Kiyosumidera to study. Around the age of fifteen or sixteen (1237), he was formally ordained, taking his full ordained name, Zeshō-bō Renchō.

1238/1239–1253

  • The 15-Year Period of Study: Renchō leaves Kiyosumidera to embark on a 15-year quest to master the Buddhist teachings, initially studying in Kamakura.

1243–1253

  • The 10-Year Period of Intensive Study: Renchō relocates to the Kyoto and Nara regions to engage in rigorous study at traditional centers like Mt. Hiei.

April 28, 1253

  • Declaration of a New Faith: Renchō returns to Kiyosumidera and, facing the rising sun, chants Namu Myōhō-renge-kyō for the first time. Adopting the name Nichiren, he preaches his first sermon and fiercely criticizes the exclusive Nembutsu movement.

July 16, 1260

  • First Remonstration: Nichiren submits his first major treatise, the Risshō ankoku ron, to the retired shogunal regent Hōjō Tokiyori. Following this, his hermitage was attacked by a mob on August 27, 1260.

May 12, 1261 – February 22, 1263

  • First Exile (Izu): Arrested by the Kamakura government, Nichiren is exiled to the Izu Peninsula on May 12, 1261. He was officially released and returned to Kamakura on February 22, 1263.

November 11, 1264

  • The Komatsubara Ambush: While traveling in his home province, Nichiren’s party is ambushed by retainers of the steward Tōjō Kagenobu. Nichiren survives with a broken arm and a sword cut to his forehead.

September 12, 1271

  • The Tatsunokuchi Persecution: Nichiren is arrested by Hei no Yoritsuna and taken to the Tatsunokuchi execution grounds, where he narrowly escapes being beheaded.

October 10, 1271 – March 8, 1274

  • Second Exile (Sado Island): Nichiren departed for Sado Island on October 10, arriving October 28, 1271. On November 1, he was placed in the dilapidated, abandoned graveyard hut. During this harsh exile, he produces some of his most vital works:
  • February 1272: Completes the Kaimoku shō (Opening of the Eyes).
  • April 25, 1273: Completes the Kanjin honzon shō (The Contemplation of the Mind and the Object of Worship).
  • July 8, 1273: Formalizes the Great Mandala (gohonzon) for the first time.
  • March 8, 1274: The official sentence of release arrives at Sado.

April 8, 1274

  • Third Remonstration: Having returned to Kamakura, Nichiren meets with Yoritsuna, accurately predicting a Mongol attack within the year.

May 12, 1274 – 1282 (The Minobu Years)

  • Retirement: Realizing his warnings will not be heeded, Nichiren leaves Kamakura on May 12, 1274, arriving at his retreat on Mt. Minobu on May 17, 1274.
  • September 21, 1279 (The Atsuhara Persecution): Twenty of Nichiren’s peasant followers in the Fuji district are arrested, and three are eventually executed for refusing to abandon their faith.
  • April 27, 1281: Completes his work on the Three Great Secret Dharmas.

October 13, 1282

  • Death: After leaving Mt. Minobu and designating six senior disciples to lead the propagation of his teachings, Nichiren passes away at Ikegami.