Reply to the lord Kyo’o 経王殿御返事

Reply to the lord Kyo’o

Original text

■Time of writing: August 15, Bun'ei 10 year(1273), at the age of 52

■Place of writing: Ichinosawa Nyudo residence in Ichinosawa, Sado Island.

■Background of the writing: It was addressed to a young girl Kyo'o of a strong believer, Shijo Kingo. This is a reply to Shijo Kingo and his wife, Nichigan-nyo, who sent money for the memorial service to Daishonin, who was in exile in Sado, and reported the disease of their child, daughter Kyo'o. Daishonin wrote the Gohonzon for the first time in Sado, but when he was about to be decapitated at the Mouth of the Dragon, which was Daishonin's greatest persecution, he immediately gave the Gohonzon rewarding the single-minded faith of Shijo Kingo, with whom he shared his destiny. In this book, the meaning of the Gohonzon's appearance is explained, and this Gohonzon is described as "I, Nichiren, have dyed and written my soul in sumi ink", which is a precious and extremely important writing in which the Gohonzon's meaning is explained.

■Original is no longer exists.

[Reply to the lord Kyo’o. Text.]

When I was longing to hear from you once again, you just sent the messenger to take the trouble. In my present circumstances, your gift of money is far more valuable than any treasure to be found on land or sea. Since I heard from you about your daughter Kyo’o, I have been praying to the gods of the sun and moon for her all the time. Always cherish the Gohonzon that I gave you some time ago for her protection. Nobody learned this Gohonzon in the age of the Former and the Middle, and it goes without saying that no one had expressed it.

The lion king is said to advance three steps and go back one step, putting forth the same strength, whether he catches an ant or fights a fierce animal. In writing this Gohonzon for her protection, Nichiren is not inferior to the lion king. This means “the furious power of the lion” which sutra says.

Believe in this mandala truly. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can become an obstacle? It is written that those who embrace the title of the Lotus Sutra will be guarded by Kishimojin and by the ten demon daughters. There is happiness such as the King Aizen and good luck is like the Bishamon. Wherever your daughter may play around, no harm will come to her, she will behave without fear like the lion king. Among the ten demon daughters, the protection of Kodai is the most powerful.

However, this depends on your faiths. A sword is not useful for the person who does not confront, too. The sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by courageous people in faith. That would give you a decisive advantage. I, Nichiren, have dyed and written my soul in sumi ink. Please believe this. The Buddha’s holy will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Myoraku states that "The life of the Buddha originates from his immeasurable life span."

Kyo’o’s misfortune will change into fortune. Awaken your faiths, pray to this Gohonzon. Anything can have possibilities there to be achieved. There can be no doubt about the sutra passages that say, “This sutra can fulfill their desires, as a clear cool pond can satisfy all those who are thirsty,” and “They will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences.”

When I am pardoned from exile in this province, I will hasten to Kamakura where we will meet. If we consider the power of the Lotus Sutra, we will find perpetual youth and longevity before our eyes. My only worry is that her life may be as short-lived as dew. Therefore, I am praying powerfully for heaven to protect her. I wish that she will follow in the footsteps of Lady Jotoku or the dragon king’s daughter. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.

Respectfully,

Nichiren

August 15.

Reply to the lord Kyo’o

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