Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, pp. 119 - 121.
Just when I was longing to hear once again from you, the messenger, whom you troubled to send, arrived. 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 Kyo'o Gozen, I have been praying to the gods of the sun and moon for her every moment of the day. Always cherish the Gohonzon which I sent some time ago for her protection. This Gohonzon was never known, let alone inscribed, by anyone in the Former or Middle Day of the Law. The lion, king of beasts, is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for her protection, Nichiren is equal to the lion king. This is what the sutra means by "the power of an attacking lion." 1 Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?
It is written that those who embrace the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra will be protected by Kishimojin and her ten daughters. They will enjoy the happiness of Aizen and the good fortune of Bishamon. Wherever your daughter may frolic or play, no harm will come to her; she will be free from fear like the lion king. Among Kishimojin's ten daughters, the protection of Kodainyo is the most profound. But your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then he will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff. I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha's will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Miao-lo states in his interpretations, "The revelation of the Buddha's original enlightenment is the heart of the sutra." 5
Kyo'o Gozen's misfortunes will change into fortune. Muster your faith and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved? You should believe the Lotus Sutra when it says, "This sutra fulfills one's desires. it is the pond's cool, clear water that quenches thirst," 6 and "They will have peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next." 7 When I am pardoned from exile to this province, I will hasten to Kamakura where we will meet. If one considers the power of the Lotus Sutra, he will find perpetual youth and eternal life before his eyes. My only worry is that she may die young; therefore, I am praying with all my might for the gods to protect her. Raise her to be like Lady Jotoku or the Dragon King's daughter. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Respectfully, Nichiren
BACKGROUND This Gosho was written on August 15, 1273, and addressed to Kyo'o, Shijo Kingo's infant daughter. However, Kyo'o was then only one year old, so it seems likely that Nichiren Daishonin was addressing her parents, Shijo Kingo and Nichigennyo. They had two children: Kyo'o and another daughter, Tsukimaro, a year older. Both were apparently named by the Daishonin. Shijo Kingo himself was already forty when Tsukimaro was born, and for that reason, the children must have been doubly precious to the couple. As can be gathered from the letter's opening, it was written in answer to a message from either Shijo Kingo or his wife, informing the Daishonin of their baby's serious illness. He was then living in exile at Ichinosawa, Sado Island.
The "Reply to Kyo'o," though relatively short, is significant because the Daishonin had earlier bestowed the Gohonzon on Shijo Kingo, and in this letter he explains the significance of that rare honor. Few other individuals had received the object of worship. He writes, "This Gohonzon was never known, let alone inscribed, by anyone in the Former or Middle Day of the Law." The Daishonin declares that the Gohonzon is the embodiment of his own life and the true object of worship. He urges Kingo and his wife to believe in it firmly.
The Daishonin uses the example of a lion in attack to explain that he had put all his energy into inscribing the Gohonzon. He goes on to say that with this same intensity applied to their practice, Shijo Kingo and his wife can definitely help their baby daughter to recover and become a family that is perfectly happy and free from worry.
1. Lotus Sutra, chap. 15
2. Bishamon: One of the Four Heavenly Kings
3. Kodainyo: One of the Jurasetsu, Kishimojin's ten
daughters
4. Sumi: Black Chinese ink
5. Hokke Mongu Ki, vol. 10
6. Lotus Sutra, chap. 23
7. Ibid., chap. 5
8. Jotoku: A faithful believer mentioned in the twenty-seventh chapter
of the Lotus Sutra. She is the mother of Jozo and Jogen.