Writing to Abutsubo 阿仏房御書（宝塔御書）

Writing to Abutsu-bo.（The Treasure Tower）

Original Text.

■Time of writing: Bun’ei March 13, 12 (Year 1275), age 54

■Place: In the thatched hut on Mt. Minobu

■Background of the writing: It was written to Abutsubo, who protected Daishonin warmly with his wife, Sennichiama, during his exile on Sadogashima Island. This is a reply to the question from Abutsubo about "The treasure tower of the seven jewels that gushes out from the earth" which is preached in the chapter concerning the eleventh chapter of the Lotus Sutra, 'Looking the Treasure Tower'. In this writing, Daishonin declares, "those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower, and, likewise, are themselves the Tathagata Many Treasure. There is no treasure tower other than Myoho-renge-kyo. The title of the Lotus Sutra is the treasure tower, and the treasure tower is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo". He also says, "I wrote and expressed a treasure tower for you. Must never transfer it to anyone but your child." which indicates that the treasure tower, that is the Gohonzon, was granted to Abutsubo. Incidentally, this Gohonzon is currently in the possession of Myosen-ji Temple, which was founded by Abutsubo at his home.

■Autograph: No longer exists.

[Writing to Abutsubo（The Treasure Tower). Text]

I have read your letter with great care. I have also received your offering to the treasure tower of one thousand copper coins, polished rice, and other articles. This I have respectfully reported to the Gohonzon and to the Lotus Sutra. Please rest assured.

In your letter you ask, “What is signified by the Taho Tathagata and his Treasure Tower, which appeared from beneath the earth?” This teaching is of great importance. In the eighth volume of his ‘Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra’, the Great Teacher Tendai explains the appearance of the treasure tower. He states that it has two distinct functions: to lend credence to the preceding chapters and to pave the way for the Buddhahood to come. Thus, the treasure tower appeared in order to verify the theoretical teaching and to reveal the essential teaching. To put it another way, the closed tower symbolizes the theoretical teaching, and the open tower, the essential teaching. These are, therefore, reveals the two elements of reality and wisdom. This is complex, however, so I will not go into further detail now. In essence, it indicates that the two vehicles of the three kinds who heard the Lotus Sutra discovered that the Treasure Tower was within their own hearts for the first time.

　Now Nichiren’s disciples and lay supporters are the same with this. Into the Latter Day of the Law, no treasure tower exists other than the figures of the men and women who hold the Lotus Sutra. It follows, therefore, that whether eminent or humble, top or bottom, those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower, and, likewise, are themselves the Tathagata Many Treasure. There is no treasure tower other than Myoho-renge-kyo. The title of the Lotus Sutra is the treasure tower, and the treasure tower is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

At present the entire body of Abutsu Shonin is composed of the five elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and space. These five elements are also the five characters of the title. Abutsubo is therefore the treasure tower itself, and the treasure tower is Abutsubo himself. Other than this knowledge is useless. It is the Treasure Tower adorned with the seven kinds of treasures—hearing the correct teaching, believing it, keeping the precepts, engaging in meditation, practicing assiduously, renouncing one’s attachments, and reflecting on oneself. You may think you make offerings to the treasure tower of the Tathagata Many Treasures, but that is not so. It had made offerings to us. We, ourselves, are a Tathagata who is originally enlightened and endowed with the three bodies.

You should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with this faith. Then the place will become the dwelling place of the Treasure Tower. The sutra reads, “If there is any place where the Lotus Sutra is preached, then my Treasure Tower will come forth in that spot.” Faith like yours is so extremely rare that I had written and expressed the Treasure Tower especially for you. Must never transfer it to anyone but your child. You must not show it to others unless they have steadfast faith. This is the reason why I have appeared in this world.

Abutsubo, thou should be called a leader of this northern province. Could it be that Bodhisattva Jogyo has been reborn into this world as Abutsubo and visited me? It is mysterious. It is a marvel. I do not understand how it is that you have such will. I leave it to Bodhisattva Jogyo's emergence that has the power to know these things. I do not have another reason. Please you and your wife worship this treasure tower secretly. I will speak to you in detail later.

Respectfully,

Nichiren

The thirteenth day of March in the twelfth year of Bun’ei (1275)

To the Abutsu-bo Shonin

　　　The present Myosen-ji Temple in Sado

Original Text. 　Table of Contents.