The Life of Nichiren Daishonin
Part I - Chapter II
The Establishment of True Buddhism
The Daishonin Proclaims the
Tenets of His Buddhism

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After completing his travels in the spring of 1253, Rencho, now thirty-two years old, returned to Seichoji in his native Kominato, and after deep reflection, came to the irrevocable decision to propagate Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, the supreme Law, no matter what the consequences.

Before dawn on the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month, Rencho climbed to a place called Kasagamori at the peak of Mt. Kiyosumi, and before the entire universe, chanted “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo” as he faced the rising sun. In this way, Rencho established the foundation for the correct Buddhism for the Latter Day of the Law.

Nichiren Daishonin later writes about his experience at that time in “The Opening of the Eyes”: “I, Nichiren, am the only person in all Japan who understands this. But if I utter so much as a word concerning it, then parents, brothers and teachers will surely criticize me and the government authorities will take steps against me. On the other hand, I am fully aware that if I do not speak out, I will be lacking in compassion. I have considered which course to take in the light of the teachings of the Lotus and Nirvana sutras. If I remain silent, I may escape harm in this lifetime, but in my next life I will most certainly fall into the Hell of Incessant Suffering. If I speak out, I am fully aware that I will have to contend with the Three Obstacles and Four Devils. But of these two courses, surely the latter is the one to choose.” (Gosho, p. 538; MW-2, p. 113)

In another document entitled, “On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” the Daishonin writes: “There can be no doubt that the fifth five-hundred-year period has already begun as prophesied by the Buddha. I say that, without fail, Buddhism shall arise and flow forth from the east, from the land of Japan.” (Gosho, p. 678; MW-1, p.115)

The Daishonin further states the following in “Repaying Debts of Gratitude”: “If Nichiren’s compassion is truly great and encompassing, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo will spread for ten thousand years and more, for all eternity, for it has the beneficial power to open the blind eyes of every living being in the country of Japan, and it blocks off the road that leads to the Hell of Incessant Suffering.” (Gosho, p. 1036; MW-4, p. 272)

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the never-before-revealed, unique Daimoku of the Essential Teaching of the Lotus Sutra, which “shall arise and flow forth from the east” to spread throughout the entire world and relieve the suffering of all humanity for the ten thousand years of the Latter Day of the Law. The Name “Nichiren” (Sun Lotus)

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