Nichiren Buddhist Kannon Temple of Nevada

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    今　   日蓮は　         日本第一の　     法華経の　行者なり

Ima Nichiren ha Nippon Daiichi no Hokekyou no Gyouja nari

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Now I, Nichiren, am the foremost practicer of the Lotus Sutra in Japan

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= Let’s learn about Nichiren Shonin! =

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Do you know what kind of monk Nichiren Shonin was like?

   The time was during the Kamakura period: “Why is the country in turmoil, even though Japan is a Buddhist nation? Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings are supposed to be one, so why are there so many different sects?” This was the biggest question on the mind of young Nichiren Shonin.

   After studying the teachings of various Buddhist schools—with a primary focus on his studies at Mount Hiei—he arrived at Shakyamuni Buddha’s teaching to “Rely on the Dharma rather than on the person,” and became convinced that the true essence of the message lay in the Lotus Sutra.

   With the determination that “the only way to bring true happiness to people and world peace is to spread the Lotus Sutra,” he put this belief into practice—and in doing so, he faced numerous persecutions. However, since the consequences of this practice and the resulting persecution had already been expounded in the Lotus Sutra, he recognized himself as a true practitioner of the Lotus Sutra.

   The year Reiwa 13 (2031) will mark the 750th memorial of Nichiren Shonin. Why not start by getting to know Nichiren Shonin again?

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“Shuju Onfurumai Gosho”

   Reflecting on events such as the fulfillment of the prediction regarding “foreign invasion” and the Persecution at Tatsunokuchi, the writing articulates the joy experienced by a practitioner of faith in the Lotus Sutra.

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First year of Kenji (1275)

Age: 55

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