97. Descent Mt. Minobu

Mt. Minobu

　Nichiren's condition continued to worsen.

In September of the 5th year of Koan, Nichiren finally decided to leave the mountain. He decided to leave Minobuyama, where he had lived for nine years. About nine months earlier, on November 24, Kouan 4, he had just completed the construction of the 18-meter, 4-sided temple. The reason for his descent was said to be to go to Hitachi-no-kuni for a hot-spring cure.

　Nichiren was aware that he himself would pass away in the not-too-distant future. In that case, the monastery in Minobu would not be a good location for his disciples. In addition, the young monks were still practicing Buddhism. He did not want to disturb them. Also, a large residence would be the best place for a large number of believers to gather.

　The Buddha had left a will that after his death, his ashes would be cremated and his bones would be divided to build a pagoda. However, he told his disciples to leave these matters to the lay believers of both sexes who were non-monks. This meant that the disciples should continue their training and missionary work. His destination after his descent was the Ikegami Munenaka residence in Musashi Province, or what is now Tokyo. The largest house among his supporters was the residence of the magistrate for construction affairs, Munenaka Ikegami. Even if something untoward were to happen, it would be unthinkable for anyone to mess with the residence of the magistrate under the direct control of the shogunate. The reason for the hot-spring cure in the country of Hitachi Province is thought to be out of consideration for Hakiri Sanenaga, who had taken care of him for many years as a landowner.

　Nichiren was carried by his disciples on a chestnut horse. Hoki-bo and his disciples followed with grim expressions on their faces. How many days would it take to reach Hitachi? It would not be an easy journey for Nichiren, who was ill.

The head of the land, Sanenaga Hakiri, was horrified by the sudden news, but Nichiren's will remained strong. He gave up and sent his own sons to accompany him.

As he was about to depart, Sanenaga said, "My priest, there is no need for you to leave in a hurry. Why don't you take it a little easier, sir?"

Nichiren shook his head weakly.

“I am ill, so there may be unforeseen circumstances. However, I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you have protected me for the past nine years, even though many in Japan find me a nuisance. Wherever I die, my grave will be placed here in Minobu."

Nichiren bowed deeply to Sanenaga, his temporary landlord. However, the reality was different. For the past nine years, Nichiren suffered from hunger and cold. Sanenaga, the landowner, was indifferent to Nichiren's plight. The later generations of believers accused Hakiri of being indifferent to Nichiren's situation. However, Nichiren never complained to Sanenaga.

On September 8, a group of Nichiren's party left the mountain. Hakiri Sanenaga saw them off in a daze.

The group walked along a deserted road. What kind of commotion might occur if Nichiren were to descend the mountain? Hoki-bo, who was in command of the group, chose a mountain path to hide himself.

They descended the steep slope of Mount Minobu. Nichiren was his horse as if he were asleep. Hoki-bo watched him without taking off the reins.

The group crossed the Fuji River. Disciple crossed the river with Nichiren on his back.

They crossed the river and entered the Musashino area. The group was moving forward with the magnificent sunset in the background. Mt. Fuji gradually became smaller and smaller.

Ikegami Munenaka's residence in Musashi was a samurai residence surrounded by woods. It is located in today's Ota Ward, Tokyo.

On September 18, ten days after his departure from Minobu, Nichiren arrived at the residence of his beloved follower, Munenaka.

Munenaka and his younger brother Munenaga were standing together at the gate. They were very happy to welcome their mentor to their mansion, but they could not rejoice at the thought of his illness. However, they greeted Nichiren with smiles as best they could.

Nichiren smiled slightly when he saw the brothers' smiles.

"Thank you for your kindness."

Nichiren bowed deeply to the brothers, whom he had once taught so strictly.

From Musashi, Nichiren sent the last letter of his life to Hakii in Kai. We can read his thoughtful consideration for his former landlord.

“I would like to make a report. The journey from Minobu went smoothly, and we have come as far as Ikegami. Whether it was the mountains or rivers, there were great obstacles along the way, but protected by your sons and other members, we arrived here without incident. I am most grateful and delighted. When we eventually return, however, it will be necessary to retrace our steps, and because I am ill, I fear that an accident may occur.

But be that as it may, for no less than nine years you have believed in me, who is seen throughout Japan as more than a bit of a nuisance. I am more grateful than I can express in words for your sincerity. That is why, no matter where I should breathe my last, I would like my grave to be in the valley of Minobu.

Also, that chestnut-colored horse you sent along with us is such an extremely fine one that I would really prefer to keep him with me as long as possible. Much as I might wish to take him all the way with us to the hot springs in Hitachi, however, it is quite possible that someone might steal him. In addition, I feel it would be hard on the horse, and so until we return from taking the waters in Hitachi, I will leave him in the care of lord Mobara in Kazusa. But because I would worry about having a groom unused to the horse look after him, I think it is better to have the present groom stay with him until we return from Hitachi.

I explained this so that you understand the reasons for my actions in these matters.

With my deep respect,

Nichiren

Report to the samurai Hakiri

I apologize that because I am ill, I have had to refrain from adding my official signature.”

Nichiren was very fond of his chestnut horse, so he had a guard for him. At that time, horse thieves were frequent there. He also apologized for not being able to mark his signature due to illness. What humility!

　Shortly after Nichiren entered the residence of Munenaka Ikegami, an incident occurred.

　A Buddhist priest of Mt. Hiei Nikaidou Ise-Hoin, the son of Nikaido Ise-mori, an official of the shogunate, heard that Nichiren was staying at the Ikegami Munenaka residence and came with a large number of attendants to dispute on the Buddha's Law. At that time, Nichiren told Nichimoku that he should appoint priest Nichimoku in this dispute, and Nichimoku, who was skilled in questioning and answering, was to answer the question with Ise Hoin in place of Nichiren.

　The first question and answer began with the sutra "The world of peace and happiness, Amitabha Buddha’ and was followed by about ten other questions and answers, all of which resulted in Nichimoku's defeat of the Hoin. Nichiren must have been very satisfied with the results.

　Nichiren regarded Nichimoku as extremely important. Apart from Nikko, to whom he entrusted his successor, Nichiren regarded Nichimoku as more important than the other five elderly monks.

　This is clearly shown in the Gohonzon that was presented to Nichimoku.

　In the second month of the second year of Koan, Nichiren granted Nichimoku the Gohonzon. Nichiren wrote their names and months and years he wrote them in small letters on the right side for his other disciples. On the other hand, on the Gohonzon given to Nichimoku, he wrote clearly on the right side, almost in the same size as Nichiren's writing in the center, "This is given to Nichimoku, the son of Shakyamuni." Nichiren also gave it to his disciple Nissho in November of the third year of Koan, and wrote in the lower left corner, "This is transmitted to Nissho, the son of Shakyamuni," which is extremely small.

　It is likely that Nichiren was convinced that Nichimoku would succeed Nikko and lay the foundation for the spread of Buddhism in Japan in his third generation.

To be continued.