30. Tatsunokuchi Persecution. 1

　　Japanese edition

The believers were full of uneasiness about the future of Nichiren.

It is said that Nichiren saint was summoned to appear in the court. Possibly he is arrested and may become the dead. Furthermore, the Lotus sutra believers may be oppressed. Only a rumor proceeded. They had the terror that might be attacked any time.

Nichiren came home.

“I made all of you worry”.

Shijo Kingo sat forward.

“Our priest, please move out of Kamakura as soon as possible. Soldiers are gathering in the military headquarters. A rumor to catch the priest is spreading. Please be waiting in the safe place till the storm blows over”.

"No, I cannot do that".

All members were surprised. Jonin sat forward too.

“Why? If our priest is arrested, a large number of people of Lotus sutra are destroyed”.

Nichiren was calming down.

“Endure it. It is time when the faiths of the Nichiren sect are tested now”.

Many believers stood up then and I turned my back on Nichiren and left one after another. They noticed that a situation was in danger. It was other people's affairs until yesterday, but now danger is going to fall on them. Even the person who declared the unyielding oath turned away fearfully.

Kingo is surprised.

“Wait! Where do all of you go to? Now, it is crucial moments!”.

Jonin either stopped them.

“Wait and where will you go?”.

Later, Nichiren spells sentiment of this time.

“Although I and my disciples may encounter various persecution, we will reach the world of Buddha in accordance with nature, as long as we will not doubt in mind. Do not doubt even if the heavens do not protect you. Do not be discouraged even if you are not peace now. Though I have taught this to my disciple day and night, all of them raise doubts, had abandoned their faiths. Foolish people forget what they have promised when the crucial moment had come. You feel pity for your wife and child and grieve at the thought of parting from them in this life. In countless births throughout many long kalpas you have had wife and child but parted from them in every existence. Did you part from them unwillingly? Or did you part to achieve Buddhahood? These are same parting. If is so, you remain faithful to your faiths of the Lotus Sutra and make your way to Eagle Peak and rather should lead your wife and child”. ‘Liberation from Blindness. Part２’.

Continued to 2

Life of Nichiren. Vol. 1. Contents