Opening the Eyes

I have made a vow. Even if someone says that he would make me the ruler of Japan on the condition that I give up the Lotus Sutra and rely upon the Amida Sutra for my salvation in the next life, or even if someone threatens me saying that he will execute my parents if I do not say “Namu Amida-butsu,” and no matter how many great difficulties fall upon me, I will not submit to them until a man of wisdom defeats me by reason. Other difficulties are like dust in the wind. I will never break my vow that I will become the pillar of Japan, I will become the eyes of Japan, and I will become the great vessel of Japan.

(Explanatory note)

Nichiren Shonin made a vow. Even if the ruler of Japan induces him saying that he would give him the kingship of Japan providing that he gives up the Lotus Sutra and believes in the Amida Sutra for the salvation in the next life, or threatens him saying that he will execute Nichiren’s parents if he does not say “Namu Amida butsu,” he will never submit himself to any kind of inducement or threat unless someone wiser than Nichiren Shonin himself appears and defeats him by reason. Any great difficulties other than that are like flying dust. Nichiren Shonin made his three great vows, “I will be come the pillar of Japan, I will become the eyes of Japan, and I will become the great vessel of Japan; “ and he was determined to keep them by all means.