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日蓮大聖人『御書』解説

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2022年 05月 18日

46. The Result of the February Disturbance.(2)

Tokimune's older brother, Hojo Tokisuke, was drinking in Minami-Rokuhara, Kyoto.

It was a quiet night.

 A bewitching woman, her bosom bared, was pouring sake for Tokisuke.

Tokisuke was blushing.

"You're very good at getting me drunk.”

The woman smiled.

"Well, well, I am very pleased to receive your compliment.”

Tokisuke was happy with his current life in Kyoto.

"Good sake and a beautiful woman by my side. I have nothing to say. I am a happy man."

The beautiful woman gazed into his eyes.

"My lord, is that what you really think?”

"What do you mean by that? Tell me clearly."

The woman's eyes glittered.

"You are lord Tokimune's older brother. But he has only a few retainers. Don't you want to be like lord Tokimune and have all the nobles in the land at your disposal with a single word?"

Tokisuke laughed.

"I am surrounded by people who are as inquisitive as you are. Tell Tokimune that I have no interest in power, and that he may rest assured."

The woman quickly stepped aside.

"You must be one of Tokimune's spies. Don't get flustered. I understand. Then let me ask you. How long will I live? When will Tokimune attack?"

The beautiful woman moved further away.

"By the looks of you, I'd say the time is near."

There were noisy voices outside. The sound of swords being crossed, the screams of warriors, and the screams of women could be heard.

The door of the room opened and the attendant rushed in.

"Your Highness, we are about to strike, that we are!"

Tokisuke shook off his fears.

”Where are the soldiers from?”

”In the northern government office, sir!"

The army of Hojo Yoshimune, who had been ordered by Tokimune, was in the northern office. Yoshimune was the grandson of Hojo Shigetoki, who had orchestrated the exile of Nichiren to Izu.

Tokisuke chuckled, but did not stop drinking. The woman had disappeared before he knew it.

"Tokimune, you have come."

He threw away the cup he was holding.

"It's the Latter Days of the Law. The clans are killing each other and the younger brother kills the older brother. It's a mess. But Tokimune, this retribution will surely come to you."

The door of the tatami room was ripped open, and a group of fierce and ruthless warriors rushed in.

A warrior in full armor and helmet stepped forward and knelt in front of Tokisuke.

"Lord Tokisuke. I apologize for my sudden rudeness. I have come to ask you to accompany us now."

"Where to?"

"Kamakura, Soshu Province".

"I understand."

As soon as Tokisuke put his hand on the sword behind him, he turned around and slashed the warrior.

The warriors ducked in unison.

"I know what you are planning to do. You are going to bury me on the way. If that is the case, then I will fight you quickly here. Whoever you are, I am Hojo Tokisuke, the eldest son of the previous regent, Saumyoji Nyudo Tokiyori. If you think you are me, come at me."

One of the warriors bravely slashed at him, but Tokisuke's brilliant swordsmanship cut him and he left the scene.

A new warrior appeared on the scene, but was also cut by Tokisuke.

He was strong. He was no match for Tokisuke in single combat.

Tokisuke smiled a big smile on his face.

"How about you come and join us?"

A new warrior appeared and they fought.

Tokisuke had the upper hand, but the warrior behind him cowardly attacked him. He was cut in the back and fell to one knee.

At this point, Tokisuke laughed. It was the last laugh.

A group of warriors surrounded the fallen Tokisuke and stabbed him to death.

A stream of blood sprayed out and splashed back all over his body.

The warriors stood still as if their possessions had been lifted.


Tokimune was alone in the Kamakura Headquarters, sitting in zazen and closing his eyes.

His face was pale with disappointment and bitterness. He was twenty-one years old, but his cheeks fell in like an old man.

 The warrior is fragile.

Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate, murdered his younger brother Yoshitsune.

Yoritomo's father was Yoshitomo. Yoshitomo killed his father, Tameyoshi. Later, Yoshitomo was defeated in battle and betrayed by his subordinates and lost his life.

His son Yoritomo became a barbarian general and gave birth to Yoriie and Sanetomo. However, Yoriie was killed by Hojo's men, and Sanetomo was killed by Yoriie's son Kugyou. Kugyou was also killed soon after.

Just writing this down makes me feel darker.

Tokimune also killed his brother.

He, too, had fallen under the spell of the fate of his relatives killing each other. He was caught up in the thought that he was burdened with a fate that he could not escape. It was the sorrow of a dictator.


 Kamakura was still bustling with noise. The entrance to the samurai quarters was filled with high-pitched voices.

 Here, Mitsutoki Nagoe and his eight retainers were being held captive. The lives of Mitsutoki, Kingo, and the rest of their retinue were on the verge of extinction.

Mitsutoki Nagoe's wife and children, and even his attendants begged the gatekeeper for letting them into the mansion. They wanted to make sure he was safe. Among them were Kingo's wife, Nichigan-nyo, and daughter, Tsukimaro.

The guards held them back.

 In the courtyard of the samurai quarters, Yoritsuna's men were cutting straw bundles. They were preparing for the beheading.


Meanwhile, in Hojo Mitsutoki's house, his wives clung to the floor, which was littered with shoji screens and armor.

The cries of babies and young children echoed through the house. These women were the wives of the retainers who had shared the fate of Mitsutoki.

Nichigan-nyo returned from the samurai quarters with Tsukimaro.

The woman groaned.

"What retribution is this? How can we be accused of treason? Can neither God nor Buddha help us?"

The women spotted Nichigan-nyo.

"Oh, this is lord Kingo's wife. I hear she still believes in the Priest Nichiren of the Lotus Sutra. This is my request. Please use the power of the Lotus Sutra to save my husband's life!"

 They had no choice but to pray to God and Buddha. Now that their husbands were about to die, they had no choice but to rely on Nichiren, who had miraculously returned to life from the Dragon's Mouth, even though he was in exile.

 Nichigan-nyo made a firm vow in her heart.

At the time of the Dragon's Mouth, she had once given up on her husband's life. The only way to save her husband's life was through the Lotus Sutra. She had no choice but to pray, believing that her wish would come true.


 Far away in Awa, there was another woman who was grieving.

It was nun O’ama.

She had once been married into the Nagoe family. If Nagoe was destroyed, nun O’ama would not be at peace. When Nichiren suffered a great hardship, O’ama turned away from her faith in the Lotus Sutra, saying that she had never seen or heard of Nichiren.

O’ama asked for help from Dozen-bo, Joken-bo and Gijo-bo who came to her.

"Tell me, is this retribution for my abandonment of the Lotus Sutra?"

Dōzen-bō, Nichiren's teacher when he was a child, was flustered to see the nun, a great parishioner of Seicho-ji, so upset.

In his place, youth Jouken-bo balded.

”Be careful, nun O’ama. Now is the time. Now is the time for you to apologize for what you have done and repent to the Lotus Sutra. You are the wife of a warrior, and you must be prepared for anything."

But the nun was half-mad.

"Please don't tell me to prepare for anything!"


Mitsutoki and his eight attendants were sitting in the room of the Kamakura Samurai headquarter.

In front of the eight men, Mitsutoki said,

"Perhaps we are guilty of death. Though I have no memory of it, this is the fate of a samurai, though I have no memory of it."

Mitsutoki spoke to Kingo Shijo.

"Yorimoto, you have a young child. Isn't it hard for you?"

Kingo said stoutly.

"My Lord, for two generations I have served the Lord Nagoe. I consider this to be my fate, and I am not in the least troubled."

The lord's gaze was gentle.

“Do you have any regrets?”

Kingo took the prayer beads from his pocket and clasped his hands together.

“I still believe in the teachings of Saint Nichiren. If I am to be beheaded, I am prepared to seek refuge in the Lotus Sutra and join with you in visiting the Buddha.”

Mitsutoki stared at Kingo.


Hojo Tokimune was closely discussing with Taira no Yoritsuna and Adachi no Yasumori in the same samurai office.

Yoritsuna narrowed his eyes.

"He should be beheaded immediately, that he should."

Yasumori disagreed.

"If we execute him without proof, it will undermine the credibility of the shogunate."

 Yasumori wanted to avoid the destruction of Nagoe. The fall of Nagoe meant that the regent would become absolute. Although Yasumori was Tokimune's elder brother-in-law, they were different from each other. If Tokimune became an absolute monarch, his close aide Yoritsuna would become even more powerful. It was obvious that Yasumori would be in danger.

Yoritsuna then glared at Yasumori.

"The Kamakura Shogunate is now in crisis. We Hojo are from the countryside of Izu and are merely newcomers in the world of samurai. Criticism of the Shogunate still persists. And now that we do not know when the Mongols will attack, the only way to calm the discontent of the samurai is to increase the reward."

Yasumori was astonished.

"Then you will take the territory of Nagoe..."

Yoritsuna nodded.

"Nagoe is a powerful branch of the Hojo family, that is. If we can destroy those who criticize us every day, we can strengthen the shogunate and rebuild our finances."

Yoritsuna's eyes glittered eerily. But Yasumori was determined to resist.

"No, that will only weaken the shogunate. It is inevitable that the nobles of Kyoto will make an uproar over this matter. If we crush Nagoe, it will inevitably lead to a repeat of the Jokyu Rebellion."

Yoritsuna did not listen.

"Power means manipulating people, and those who don't like being manipulated will be eliminated."

Yasumori bowed down to Tokimune.

"Please, as the chieftain of a warrior family, be lenient with me."

Yoritsuna urged.

"This disturbance, that is, must be finished with the disposal of Mitsutoki-dono. Make your decision."

Tokimune stared at the front.


Eight people, including Mitsutoki and Kingo Shijo, sat in the audience hall. Everyone seemed to be prepared.

At this point, Tokimune appeared. Yoritsuna and Yasumori sat down next.

Shijo Kingo made up his mind. But Tokimune's decision came as a surprise.

Yasumori announced in a high voice.

"The Nagoe family has been acquitted of all charges."

The room buzzed with excitement.

Some of his retainers were relieved. But Mitsuoki Nagoe did not change his expression.

This was unexpected.

Hearing this, a messenger immediately rushed to the residence of Mitsutoki.

"Good news! Lord Mitsutoki has been acquitted of all charges. His attendants are also safe, that is!"

The house of Nagoe was filled with the jubilant voices of women and children.

Nichigan-nyo began to chant, "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo," while holding her prayer beads. Her eyes were filled with tears, and a drop or two fell onto the prayer beads she held, but she continued to chant without regard for when the tears would end.


 Tokimune spoke to Mitsutoki. His voice was weak, unlike that of a regent.

"Uncle, will you forgive me? In the midst of internal and external troubles, and not knowing when the Mongols would attack, I have made a mistake. I have cruelly disturbed the peace of my parents, my children, my siblings, and my family. Now, however, I have come to my senses. Only by uniting the Hojo clan can the national crisis be prevented. I hope this will serve as a memorial to my late brother..."

The aged Mitsutoki spoke up.

"I was relieved to hear that. That is why you are the regent of Hojo, sir. I bear no grudge. I have lost my two younger brothers, but if the shogunate is now firmly established, they will be relieved. Rest assured, in the event of a battle with the Mongols, we will certainly take the lead and kill the enemy."

In fact, he would later go on to fight a lion's share of the battle against the Mongols.

Mitsutoki stood up.

"The confusion of the past few days has exhausted my men. We will return."

Mitsutoki and his followers left.

When Yoritsuna saw this, he snapped his whip in two and looked at Tokimune enviously.

"We have missed an opportunity of a lifetime, have we not?"

Even the normally mild-mannered Tokimune could not ignore this remark.

"Shut up, Captain Saemon. You who have no Hojo blood in your veins, what do you know?"


 The February disturbance was highly criticized even within the Shogunate. Tokimune was unable to punish Yoritsuna for his excessive authority, but instead executed the five men who participated in the raid. No reward was also given to those who participated in the disturbance.

The people of Kamakura are said to have laughed at this, calling it "free labor.


Hearing of the uproar in the capital, retainers from all over the country arrived in droves.

Upon their arrival, the warriors went straight to the headquarters. They all went before their lord and gave him the standard greeting and left.

One by one, the attendants called out to him.

"Next, Honma Rokuro, Lieutenant of Saemon, lord Shigetsura, he has arrived."

Honma stepped forward in front of Tokimune. He was able to arrive in Kamakura with exceptional speed.

Adachi Yasumori was delighted.

"Lord Honma. It is very laudable for you to come all the way from Sado, that is."

Honma said cautiously, looking up at him.

”Your Highness, Kamakura, I am glad that you are safe and sound during this time of trouble. It is a great relief to us samurai.”

 Tokimune congratulated Honma with a rare smile.

”I am very glad that you have come all the way from Sado to be with us so quickly. I'm sure you must be very tired after your long journey. I have prepared a table for you to drink, so you may rest for a while.”

Honma then made up his mind and spoke to Tokimune.

"My lord, I'm afraid, there is a matter that I would like to bring to your attention."

"What is? Say it whatever you want?"

"In fact, someone predicted this disturbance last month."

Tokimune was astonished.

After the Tsukahara dispute, Honma recounted the whole story of the prophecy that Nichiren had given to him.

"What a surprise that Nichiren had foretold this disturbance..."

The Shogunate's senior officials who had been waiting in the room of the Shogunate Steward fell silent at once, and the air was filled with solemnity.

It is well known that Nichiren had predicted the outbreak of a civil war during the persecution of Tatsunokuchi. How could he have predicted this uproar in less than a month?

Tokimune opened his mouth.

"Lord Honma, how is Priest Nichiren doing?"

Shigetsura's reply was tinged with bitterness.

"Priest is in a torn-down house behind my residence. The area around the hall is a graveyard where dead people are dumped. I am sorry to see it, but the shogunate has sent me a letter stating that it would be unacceptable if I were to be too generous to Priest Nichiren and his followers."

 Tokimune said immediately.

"I have sent no such a document, it was all a forgery. Then I will verbally convey to you the order of the regent. You must immediately raise the treatment of Priest Nichiren. Have him move to a samurai residence under your control. The suppression of Priest Nichiren's followers must be withdrawn immediately. But remember, you must not divulge to anyone what I have instructed you to do."

Honma looked up and was as pleased as if it were his own.

It must be the highest honor for a Kamakura warrior to be informed directly by the sovereign.

"I will make arrangements as soon as possible!"


Nichiren's prediction of a civil war came true, but he was not happy about it.He was grieved that the country would become increasingly corrupted by the evil teachings.

What was even more lamentable was the fact that there were believers who had lost their lives during the February disturbance. Their names have not been recorded. Concerned about the deaths of his followers, Nichiren hurriedly wrote a letter to Kamakura.

 

“There is very little paper here in the province of Sado, and to write to you individually would take too long. Nevertheless, if even one person fails to hear from me, it will cause resentment. Therefore, I want people with seeking minds to meet and read this letter together for encouragement. When great trouble occurs in the world, the big problem up to that point becomes insignificant. I do not know how accurate the reports reaching me are, but there must surely be intense grieving over those killed in the recent battles. What has become of Izawa Nyudo and Sakabe Nyudo? Please send me news of Kawanobe, Yamashiro, Tokugyo-ji, and the others. Also, please be kind enough to send me The Essentials of Government in the Zhogan Era, the collection of tales from the non-Buddhist classics, and the record of the teachings transmitted within the eight schools. Without these, I cannot even write letters.

This letter is addressed to Toki Nyudo. It should also be shown to Saburo Saemon, the lay priest Okuratonotsuji Juro, the lay nun of Sajiki, and my other believers. Please send me the names of those killed in the battles at Kyoto and Kamakura. Also, please have those who are coming here bring me the anthology of non-Buddhist texts, volume two of The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra, volume four of The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra and the commentary on this volume, and the collected official opinion papers and collected imperial edicts. ‘Letter from Sado.’


The four of them, Izawa Nyudo, Sakabe Nyudo, Kawanobe Nyudo and Tokugyoji. It is said that these four were the believers who were in the dungeon with the priest Nichiro during the time of the Tatsunokuchi persecution. Were they involved in this disturbance following the hardship? Being so far away from home, Nichiren's frustration intensified.

Toki is Toki Jonin, Saburo Saemon is Shijo Kingo, and Okura-Tonotsuji is the name of a place in Kamakura where a believer named Juro Nyudo lived. There is a theory that Juro Nyudo was a family member of Honma Shigetsura, but it is not certain. The nun Sazhiki was such a strong believer that she had sent her own servant to Sado to take care of Nichiren and his disciples. All of them were believers who longed for the return of Nichiren.

In addition, Nichiren was concerned about the disturbance, but at the same time he requested that numerous books be sent to him. In addition to the Jogan Seiyo, which is a record of the words and deeds of Tang Emperor Taizong, who was said to be a great sovereign, Nichiren also said, "Without these books, such as the stories of the external scriptures and the traditions of the eight sects, I cannot write just letters.”

There are also some Buddhist books that are not at hand. The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra. Both are commentaries by Tendai (Chigi) Grand Master on the essentials of the Lotus Sutra.

At that time, Sado was a culturally barren and remote place. In the first place, there was no paper on which to write down the Doctrines.

At the age of fifty-one, Nichiren was sincerely eager to write down his own Dharma as the main Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law in Sado island and leave it to future generations.


On the other hand, at the residence of Hojo Mitsutoki in Kamakura, there were leaning gates and torn wooden doors scattered about, indicating that there had been a great disturbance.

Eight of his followers, led by Kingo Shijo, had returned.

Needless to say, the clan was overjoyed. The women, children, and attendants were in tears.

Kingo Shijo took daughter Tsukimaro in his arms. The tears were no longer in the eyes of Nichigan-nyo who gazed at her husband. She had been praying without sleep for the past several days. Seeing her husband's safety, she could not help but think of the power of the Lotus Sutra.

The Lord, Mitsutoki, appeared and sat down on an alcove.

 Eight people sat in front of him.

 Mitsutoki admired them.

"I am impressed with the work you have done. Some have retreated, but others, like all of you, have come to share their lives with me. It is in these moments that I can tell if they are real retainers. I express your thanks. Now, tell me what you want, one by one. Don't hesitate to tell me. I'll grant them."

One of the retainers quickly said.

"The territory you have given me is becoming too small for me to support my followers. I would be grateful if you would increase it."

"I understand."

The next retainer said.

"My lord, I do not need a fief, but would like to take some copper coins and save them for the future."

Mitsutoki nodded.

It was not that they were brazen. It was a time when those who were loyal deserved to be rewarded. It was also the duty of the master to respond positively to his loyal subjects. This idea is much simpler and clearer than the complicated labor-management relations that are fraught with political dynamics today.

"I would like to receive the title from the shogunate. I would appreciate it if you could help me."

"That's very good. I will make arrangements at once."

It was now Kingo Shijo's turn.

Kingo kept his mouth shut.

Mitsutoki urged him smilingly.

"What is it, Yorimoto? Do you have any requests? Considering how hard you've been working this time, I'm sure you have more than enough."

Kingo opened his mouth heavily.

"My Lord, I would like to have some time to spare."

 The others were buzzing. A colleague looked at Kingo suspiciously.

"You'll have your time. What's the matter? What are you doing away from me? I don't think you're ill."

"I want to go on a trip."

"Where are you traveling to?"

"This is Sado Island."

Mitsutoki pondered for a moment, then came to his senses.

Kingo put his hand on the floor.

"A certain master, Saint Nichiren, has been exiled to that island for a crime he did not commit. If you could give me a month's leave, I would like to visit him on Sado Island."

Mitsutoki grew pale.

"Nichiren is a sinner."

 Kingo puffed out his chest.

"My lord, it is an undeniable fact that this criminal foretold the upheaval in Japan, and we were party to it and survived. Those who know the truth are called saints. If so, isn't priest Nichiren a saint, not a sinner?"

 Mitsutoki bit down.

 "Are you leaving me to follow Nichiren?"

"When Yorimoto crossed the Hakone Mountain and came to you, he was chanting the Lotus Sutra, even as he prepared to kill himself with you. I feel that it is thanks to Saint Nichiren that I am able to meet Tono here. Therefore, I believe that it is the way of a person to seek him out as soon as possible and offer him my sincere gratitude."

Mitsutoki slumped in dissatisfaction.

 Kingo pressed him.

"My lord has promised to grant my request. I have never been happier to serve you than I am today."

Mitsutoki said as if he were about to throw up.

"I understand. You may serve him on Sado Island until you are satisfied."

"Oh, what a blessing!”

 Kingo jumped for joy.


Two months later, in April, Kingo left for Sado, where he safely met Nichiren and returned to Kamakura. 

Nichiren praised his beloved disciple who had shared his life and death at the mouth of the dragon, and who had visited Sado despite being a Kamakura warrior in the service of the shogunate. But he did not stop at praise. He urges Kingo to have even stronger faith. He urged him to maintain a strong faith in the Lotus Sutra together with his wife, Nichigan-nyo.


"Please carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot take a fire from flint if you stop it halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan, as ‘Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus Sutra sect!’.

 Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther. Particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.

Explain all this to your wife well too, and work together like the sun and moon, a pair of eyes, or the two wings of a bird.

With the sun and moon, could there be a path of darkness? With a pair of eyes, no doubt you will see the faces of Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions. With a pair of wings, you will surely fly to the land of treasure surrounded by tranquil light in an instant. I will write in more detail on another occasion.  

Sincerely yours,

Nichiren.

The second day of May.  

'A reply to the lord Shijo Kingo'


Nichiren never forgot to express his gratitude to his wife, Lady Nichigan-nyo. He had seen her supporting her husband in the shadow of Kingo. He said that it was thanks to her that Kingo was able to maintain his faith.

Nichiren never forgot the encouragement of their faithful wives. The Buddha Law is difficult to believe in and difficult to understand, and now they are in the midst of great persecution. Without the understanding of their wives, it would be extremely difficult for him to continue their faith.

Nichiren's attention to women was meticulous. He was very attentive to their wives, such as the Nichigan-nyo and the wife of Jonin. There are countless others, such as Abutsu-bo's wife, nun Sennichi, and the wives of Ikegami brothers.


"Both of you were born as commoners and live in Kamakura, yet you believe in the Lotus Sutra without concern for the prying eyes of others or the danger it may pose to your lives. This is nothing short of extraordinary. Though I am only guessing, it is as if a jewel had been placed in muddy water, and the water had become clear. It is as if one who was taught something new from a wise person had believed wise words and thus grasped the truth. Could Shakyamuni Buddha and the Fugen Bodhisattva (note), Yakuo, and Syukuouke Bodhisattva be dwelling in your hearts? Surely this is what is meant in the passage of the Lotus Sutra that says that those in the whole world who believe in this sutra do so because of the power of Fugen Bodhisattva.

Women, for example, are like the wisteria, and men are like the pine. If the wisteria happens to be parted from the pine for even an instant, it never rises again. And yet, in such a turbulent world, and when you do not even have servants you can rely on, you have sent your husband here. This shows that your sincerity is deeper than the earth, and the earthly god must certainly realize it. It is loftier even than the sky, and the heavenly gods Bonten and Teishaku must also be aware of it. The Buddha taught that one, from the very moment of one’s birth, is accompanied by two messengers, Same Birth and Same Name, who are sent from heaven and who follow one as closely as one’s own shadow, never parting from one even for an instant. These two take turns ascending to heaven to report one’s offenses and good deeds, both great and small, without overlooking the slightest detail. Therefore, heaven too must know about this matter. How reassuring! How reassuring!

Nichiren

The fourth month

Reply to the wife of Shijo Kingo

I hope you will read this letter over and over again together with Toshiro’s wife.” 'The Heavens of the same birth, the same name.'


Nichiren praises Nichigan-nyo for sending her beloved husband to Sado, the land of exile in where he is.

Who was Toshiro's wife? One theory is that she was the father of his disciple, Minbu Nikou, and that her name was Ogane Toushiro, but this is not certain. In any case, the believers who remained steadfast in their faith in the Lotus Sutra and did not retreat during this period of persecution continued to stand by each other and keep the light of faith burning.



Note


Fugen Bodhisattva

 Along with the Bodhisattva Monjusri, Fugen Bodhisattva is the leader of the Provisional Bodhisattvas and supports Sakyamuni. In the twenty-eighth chapter of the Lotus Sutra, the chapter on Fugen Bodhisattva or Fugen Sutra, he vows to protect the Lotus Sutra and the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra.

"In the oral tradition of the doctrine, it is by the mighty divine power of Fugen Bodhisattva that the Lotus Sutra is to be performed in the whole world. The wide dissemination of this sutra should be under the protection of Fugen Bodhisattva." 'The six important articles of the chapter of the Fugen Bodhisattva.'



To be continued.



by johsei1129 | 2022-05-18 16:21 | LIFE OF NICHIREN | Trackback | Comments(0)


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