RISSHO ANKOKU RON

You should promptly convert your wrong faith to the belief in the true and one vehicle faith at once. Then the triple world of the unenlightened will all become the land of the Buddha. Will the land of the Buddha decay? All the lands in ten directions will become the “treasure land.” Will the “treasure land” be destroyed? When the land does not decay and is not destroyed, your body is safe and your heart tranquil. Believe these words and revere them.

(Background : July 1260, 38 years old, at Kamakura, Showa Teihon, p.226)

(Explanatory note)
Presented to the ex-Regent of the Kamakura Shogunate, Hojo Tokiyori, the “Rissho Ankoku Ron” consists of questions and answers between a master of a house and his guest. The following is the master’s last advice to the guest to have the true faith:

“You must change your faith as soon as possible and convert yourself to the Lotus Sutra which is the supreme teaching of the Buddha. Then the Triple World * will all become the land of the Buddha. How can the land of the Buddha decay? Also the ten directions — all the lands will become the ‘treasure land.’ How can the ‘treasure land’ be destroyed?” ( * The Triple World is the world of unenlightened beings. It is divided into three: the world of desire, form, and formlessness.)

“If there is no decay or destruction of the land, the life of the inhabitants will be peaceful and their hearts will be tranquil and happy. This is not my arbitrary opinion, but it is based on Buddhist scriptures. It is as I explained it before, and you should have no objection. You should believe in my words open-mindedly and respect them from your heart. It is the road to the right religion and peace of society.”

The most important teaching in the Lotus Sutra is “This world is identical with the Buddha Land of Tranquil Light.” (The Buddha Land is the place where there is no birth and death, no disturbance by evil passion and delusion, but is shone by the rays of wisdom.) We are surely wandering in this puzzled world, but we are also able to become Buddhas. It is our duty to devote ourselves to this ideal stage. Thus, Nichiren insisted that we should believe in the teaching of the Lotus Sutra and do our best for peace and salvation of all mankind.

Rev. Hori

NYOSETSU SHUGYO SHO

When all the people under the heaven and various schools of Buddhism are all converted to the one and true vehicle, and when only the Lotus Sutra flourishes and all the people recite “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” in unison, the howling wind will not blow on the branches, falling rain will not erode the soil, and the world will become as good as during the reigns of the Chinese Emperors Fu-hsi and Shen-nung. You will see that such times will come when the calamities cease to exist, people live long, and men and their faith become eternal, there should be no doubt about the proof of tranquility in life.

(Background : May 1273, 51 years old, at Sado, Showa Teihon, p.733)

Explanatory note

Nichiren Daishonin said that people read the Lotus Sutra with their eyes and voice, but no one read it with his body except him. People generally do not try to apply the teachings of the Lotus Sutra in daily life.

Nichiren clearly mentioned that each individual’s faith and real society are closely related. It is a foolish idea if one thinks that religion is only for comfort in his or her life. Once we are born, we are a part of a society whether we like it or not. We try to keep peace and happiness under the set rules in the society.

The aim of our faith in Nichiren Buddhism is to realize the Buddha Land where we live. It is our vow to be Nichiren’s followers. The Buddha Land will not be created in a few years nor in ten years but it surely will be realized with our firm faith in the Lotus Sutra.

Rev. Kanai

ITAI DOSHIN JI

All things are possible if people are united in one spirit. Nothing can be accomplished if they are not united. It is also true in non-Buddhist scriptures. For instance, a king of Yin in old China, King Chieh, who had an army of seven hundred thousand men disunited in spirit, was defeated by King Wu of Chou and his army of eight hundred men, who were united in one spirit. So that if a person has two thoughts, nothing can be accomplished. Even if there are hundreds or thousands of people, if they are united in one, they are surely able to accomplish their aim.

(Background : August 6, 1274, 52 years old, at Minobu, Skowa Teihon, p.829)

Explanatory note

The history of mankind seems to be changing with the advancement of science and technology. We are led to believe, however, that people’s real character has not changed significantly in itself. It may have been partly degenerated over time.

The social structure today is undergoing complicated changes. In the midst of these changes, we often experience that plans are going astray or that the results turn out to be disappointing. On the other hand, we also learn through experience that trust and mutual reliance is what binds the people together. Our expectations based on this trust and reliance have built the long history and culture of mankind.

Reflecting on Nichiren Daishonin’s life, we learn that he preached to save the people by the true teaching–the Lotus Sutra. With Nichiren, there were many disciples and followers who subjugated themselves to him. There were also a few people who had betrayed Nichiren and left him. However, he repeatedly preached to his disciples and followers that they would never be defeated by anything if they held to the truth and were united in one spirit.

To maintain our true faith, we must have a docile and pious mind and have complete devotion. We who live in the present must give all our attention to Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching, and clearly keep it in our hearts.

Rev. Ogawa

KAIMOKU SHO

To desert the teaching of the Lotus Sutra denotes falling into hell. I have made a vow : “Even if someone says that he would make me the ruler of Japan if I give up the Lotus Sutra and rely upon the Kammuryojukyo (Sutra of Meditation on the Buddha of Infinite Life) 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 even if 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 shall become a pillar of Japan, I shall become the eyes of Japan, and I shall become the great vessel of Japan.

(Background : February, 1272, 50 years old, at Sado, Showa Teihon, p.601)

Explanatory note

The three great vows are stated here by Nichiren Daishonin. His salvation for all people is based on these three original oaths. Nichiren transmitted the Lord Buddha’s salvation to all people through his strong faith in the Lotus Sutra. On April 28th, 1253, at the age of thirtyone, he proclaimed his new faith which contained the fundamental principles of these vows. Because of Nichiren’s conviction concerning these oaths, he never gave up his mission even though he met countless religious persecutions. As Nichiren Buddhists seeking salvation through the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, we must understand the fundamental principles of these three vows of Nichiren. It is always true that in any religion there is no salvation without fundamental principles and diligent practice. They are the essence of Nichiren’s religion.

Rev. Kodachi

SHOHO JISSO SHO

Tears roll down when I think of the great hardship which I have to endure today, but I cannot stop tears of joy when I think of obtaining Buddhahood in the future. Birds and insects cry without shedding tears. Nichiren does not cry but tears keep falling. These tears are shed not for worldly matters. They are solely for the sake of the Lotus Sutra. Therefore, they could be said to be tears of nectar.

(Background : May 17, 1273, 51 years old, at Sado, Showa Teihon, p.728)

Explanatory note

Nichiren Daishonin is admired as a man who has a very strong mind and who can bear all hardships. The people are moved to more admiration when they know that Nichiren has a warm heart and compassionate tears and that he is always thinking, “l must stretch my hands to those who suffer,” and “I must lead them into the salvation in the Lotus Sutra.”

Why did Nichiren face so many persecutions? He said that it was because he had slandered the teachings of the Lotus Sutra in his previous lives, and that these persecutions were meant to erase these sinful karmas which he had created before, so that he could attain Buddhahood in the future. When he realized the persecutions were to attain Buddhahood, he easily accepted them with gratitude.

Thus, Nichiren faced all persecutions positively. He had pity on the people who wished to attain Buddhahood in vain because of unfaithfulness to the teaching of the Lotus Sutra.

Nichiren did not cry nor shed tears because of worldly matters. But his eyes were full of tears because the people did not believe in the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren, therefore, pushed himself and overcame the numerous persecutions for leading the people into Buddhahood.

Rev. Kanai

MYOMITSU SHONIN GO-SHOSOKU

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, gist 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 it straight, it becomes useful. If you chant the sutra as it states, your mind will be straightened. Be aware that it is hard for us to chant Odaimoku unless the spirit of the Eternal Buddha enters into our bodies.

(Background : March 5, 1276, 54 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p. 1166)

Explanatory note

“To live honestly” is fundamental in Nichiren Daishonin’s life and in his religion. Honest means for him not only to be honest in a moral sense but also to be faithful to the spirit of the Buddha Sakyamuni. In other words, it is to be honest to the essential spirit of the Buddha.

Chapter ten of the Lotus Sutra states that the sutra is the most profound among others, so that it is hard to understand and difficult to practice. Accepting this truth, Nichiren Daishonin simplified the difficulty by chanting Odaimoku from the depth of his heart and persuaded others to do the same.

The merits of Odaimoku are like the creeping mugwort grass growing straight in hemp field, or a crooked tree can be cut straight into useful objects. If we earnestly recite Odaimoku, our wavering hearts will unknowingly become right, because we cannot recite it without the spirit of the Eternal Buddha entering our bodies and influencing our life.

When we recite Odaimoku with our whole heart, we are overwhelmed with a mysterious force dwelling within us. It is a refreshing power that only those who have experienced it could understand.

Religion is not necessarily in the realm of reason, but it is in the realm of experience. We can not tell the exact taste of a banana to a person who has never tasted it, even though we may explain its shape, color, and texture. Similarly, Odaimoku is not a theory of life but a way of life. Happiness and sorrow are like the front and back of a single sheet of paper. Many people in the depth of sorrow have found comfort in the recitation of Odaimoku. Others in the depth of suffering, not knowing where to turn, have found their spirits refreshed with the teaching of the Lotus Sutra.

We can never go astray with the sincere recitation of Odaimoku because through this practice we are accepting the teaching of the Buddha with our hearts and bodies.

Rev. Igarashi

HOKKE SHOSHIN JOBUTSU SHO

A singing bird in a cage attracts uncaged birds, and the sight of these uncaged birds will make the caged bird want to be free. Likewise, the chanting of Odaimoku will bring out the Buddha-nature within ourselves.

The Buddha-nature of Bonten and Taishaku will be called by the chanting and will protect the chanter. The Buddha-nature of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will be pleased to be called. For attaining Buddhahood quickly, one must lay down the banner of arrogance, cast away the club of prejudice, and chant “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.”

(Background : 1277, 55 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p.1433)

Explanatory note

It is not easy for an ordinary person to attain Buddhahood, that is, the perfect enlightenment of the Buddha. Even the Buddha Sakyamuni could not attain this perfect enlightenment easily. It is generally believed that He had practiced various ways and finally attained Buddhahood under the Bodhi-tree. In the 16th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, however, the Buddha Sakyamuni says, “I have obtained My eternal life by training Myself for innumerable aeons,” revealing His attainment of great enlightenment in the eternal past.

Nichiren Daishonin taught that the Buddha’s world has no boundary, and that all living beings are embraced in His world by the Buddha’s great compassion. It was Nichiren’s purpose to propagate this teaching of the Lotus Sutra and to show it to this world with himself as an example.

For that reason, Nichiren Daishonin taught so simply that even the illiterate could understand. It is to chant Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Ryo.” By chanting it, we are able to bring out the Buddha-nature within ourselves and to be protected by deities of the Lotus Sutra. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are pleased by hearing Odaimoku. In other words, we are always connected with Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and guardian gods through the Buddhanature.

So we should have faith in the Lotus Sutra and should be grateful to the Buddha and to His teachings.

Rev. Akahoshi

KANJIN HONZON SHO

All the good deeds and virtues of the Buddha Sakyamuni are manifested in the title of the Lotus Sutra, that is, in the five letters : “Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo.” However sinful we may be, we shall be naturally endowed with all the deeds and virtues of the Buddha if we adhere to these five letters.

(Background : April 25, 1273, 51 years old, at Sado, Showa Teihcn, p.711)

Explanatory note

Upon a meritorious accomplishment, we often fail to appreciate other people’s helping hands and are apt to think that it was due solely to our own abilities and efforts. We may say, “I accomplished this because I chanted Odaimoku so many times,” or “My job is successful because I have chanted Buddhist scriptures with a sincere mind.” If these words represent your beliefs, you have yet to attain the stage of awareness.

Let us think on the word “given.” Our bodies and minds are given to us. Even our wills to accomplish something are inherited from our ancestors.

Our achievements do not come to us by our own abilities and efforts alone. We must be aware of important environmental influences in our daily lives. This awareness will affect many changes in our lives.
After studying the teaching of the Buddha for many years, Nichiren Daishonin reached the conclusion that salvation in the Latter Age of the Declining Law was only possible through upholding Odaimoku with firm conviction. Because of his methodical and careful study of Buddhism, he realized a profound comprehension and conviction of Buddhism. Nevertheless, he taught us not to be overly concerned with theory alone, but to have faith and to practice the chanting of Odaimoku.

Nichiren revealed that the five characters of Odaimoku, “Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo,” embody the following : All virtues of the Buddha Sakyamuni’s practices, of His enlightenment, and of His salvation.

The Buddha Sakyamuni attained enlightenment in the remote past, but before His Enlightenment, He had practiced the Bodhisattva austerities for countless times in His previous lives. His experiences of these practices are detailed in the Jataka Tales.

His practices and enlightenment are all embodied within Odaimoku. However, salvation by Odaimoku is promised in the Lotus Sutra which declares that it will be performed by Bodhisattva Jogyo in the Latter Age of the Declining Law. As a matter of fact, Nichiren Daishonin appeared in the Latter Age to prove this promise and taught us the importance of the chanting of Odaimoku.

When we uphold Odaimoku, we will be given all the virtues of the Buddha Sakyamuni and will be embraced in his realm of enlightenment. This is Buddha’s salvation.

Rev. Matsuda

KANJIN HONZON SHO

When the sun shines bright in the sky, everything is made clearly visible on the earth. In the same manner, when one knows the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, he will understand the meaning of the occurrences in the world. For the sake of those who live in the Latter Age of the Declining Law, who are too infantile to understand the Lotus or the Perfect Truth, and who are ignorant of the treasure of the truth of the “Three Thousand Existences in One Thought ” the Eternal Buddha will hang the treasure of the five characters (Myo-Ho-Ren-Ge-Kyo) around people’s necks. The four great Bodhisattvas who are apostles will protect the keepers of the five letters, as T’ai Kung-wang and Duke of Chou supported the young ruler Chen-wang, or as the four elders attended Emperor Hui-ti in China.

(Background : April 25, 1273, 51 years old, at Sado, Showa Teihon, p.720)

Explanatory note

The Buddha Sakyamuni directs His great compassion to us who live in the Latter Age of the Declining Law.

T’ien-t’ai of China discovered the truth of the “Three Thousand Existences in One Thought.” Thus he clarified the value of the Lotus Sutra. But it is difficult for us as novices to understand the principle of the “Three Thousand Existences in One Thought.”

Nichiren Daishonin sought the answer for us. It is to keep Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” which contains the treasure of the “Three Thousand Existences in One Thought.” When we believe in it, we will be enveloped by the protection of all Buddhas, all Bodhisattvas, and all deities. We are warmly bundled with such compassion. We just accept frankly and seriously the unlimited salvation in the Lotus Sutra.

Let us appreciate the great compassion of the Buddha Sakyamuni and believe in Odaimoku and chant it for His great salvation. Thus, we become one with the Buddha’s Enlightenment, the Lotus Sutra.

Rev. Kanai

Zui-Ji-I GOSHO

The Lotus Sutra is the true teaching because the Buddha Sakyamuni preached it from the bottom of his heart exactly as he was enlightened. Other sutras were taught according to listeners’ level of understanding. The Buddha teaches righteousness. The chanting of the sutra will lead us to righteousness unconsciously. For example, the creeping mugwort grass among the hemp will grow straight, or the body of a snake will become straight if it goes into a straight pipe, or if one has good friends, his attitudes will become good. Likewise, one who believes in the Lotus Sutra will attain Buddhahood.

(Background : 1278, 56 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p.1611)

Explanatory note

The Lotus Sutra reveals the true spirit of the Buddha Sakyamuni and teaches us to follow the sutra. Because the Buddha’s spirit is sacred and noble, even those who do not fully understand the meaning of the sutra will have infinite merits by just reading the sutra.

The creeping mugwort grass among the hemp will grow straight. The snake inside a pipe will straighten its coil. A man who associates with a wise person will find his attitude, actions, and words changing for the better. It is the same with the Lotus Sutra.

Nichiren Daishonin expounded the simplest way which is to chant Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” throughout his life. For if the teachings of the Buddha were taught in a complicated manner, a normal person would never be able to understand them, and they would be in a maze. To chant Odaimoku, is very simple and easy. If we, with faith, follow this simple method revealed by Daishonin, we shall be able to understand the teachings of the Buddha unconsciously and to accept the salvation of the Lotus Sutra.

Rev. Igarashi