The Founding of Taisekiji
In the spring of 1289, Nikko Shonin was descending from Mt. Minobu, where he had long lived. He was accompanied by his disciples, carefully carrying the Dai -Gohonzon, Nichiren Daishonin's ashes, writings and all the other treasures of true Buddhism. They stayed for a while with the Yui family-the family of Nikko Shonin's maternal grandfather- in Kawai of Fuji County of Suruga Province (presently Shibakawa- chu in Shizuoka Prefecture).
Nanjo Tokimitsu, lord of the nearby Ueno area, requested that Nikko Shonin move in with Nanjo's family. Nikko Shonin had been cherishing Nichiren Daishonin's teaching that the High Sanctuary of Honmon-ji temple be built at the foot of Mt. Fuji. He believed that Ueno would be an ideal place, best suited to the Daishonin's will, and was glad to accept Tokimitsu's offer.
A part of The Discourse on Birth, Nikko Shonin's record on what he heard from Nichiren Daishonin about the latter's birth, reads:
"The name Nichiren is derived from the original name of Mount Fuji. Fuji is the name of the county where the mountain exists. The mountain's proper name is Dainichi-renge-zan. As I practice Chudo (the Middle Way), or the Mystic Law, the sun that expiates the darkness of all human sufferings, this country is called Nippon (the origin of the sun). The original god here is Japan is called Nisshoin (the Sun Goddess), and one of the childhood names of Shakyamuni Buddha is Prince Nissho (the sun-seed). (3) I was named Zennichi (the splendid sun) in my childhood. When I erst entered the priesthood, I was given the name Zesho (bearing a man under the sun). And my real name now is Nichiren (the sun-lotus)."
Nikko Shonin considered the deep relationship that Mt. Fuji bore to Nichiren Daishonin. He chose a scenic plateau called Oishigahara (the fields of great stones) and started to construct a central temple with the help of his disciples and followers.
A 470 square meter temple called the Daibo was finally completed in October 1290, which he named Taho-fuji Dainichi-renge-zan Taiseki-ji. With the completed Daibo as the center, Nikko Shonin's disciples constructed one lodging temple after another, such as the Renzobo of Nichimoku Shonin. This meant that the foundation of the head temple for the attainment of kosen-rufu in the Latter Day of the Law was established. It was the ninth year after Nichiren Daishonin had passed away. From that time on, Taiseki- ji temple has firmly protected the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of True Buddhism, so that Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism has been preserved in its complete purity for the seven centuries until today.
On the other hand, Mt. Minobu was deprived of the Daishonin's authentic spirit following the departure of Nikko Shonin. It has deteriorated to become a mere slanderous temple.
Omosu Seminary
After Nikko Shonin founded Taiseki-ji temple, he built a seminary in Omosu District on the east of Ueno District in 1298. This seminary was called Omosu Seminary, after the district in which it was built. There, Nikko Shonin gave lectures to his disciples and made efforts in fostering them. The purpose of his efforts was to enable the disciples to understand the Daishonin's teachings correctly and help them learn Buddhist scriptures preparatory to public debate with other sects. Nikko Shonin's earnest and strict instruction guaranteed the Daishonin's true teachings would be eternally transferred. In that autumn of 1299, while Nikko Shonin was lecturing, Nichizon had his attention distracted by a falling leaf. He was strictly admonished and expelled. This anecdote demonstrates what a strict attitude Nikko Shonin had toward study.
Nikko Shonin appointed Nitcho as the first rector of Omosu Seminary and entrusted him with the fostering of disciples. However, since Nitcho passed away at the early age of forty-nine, Nikko Shonin found himself again giving lectures. Later, Nichijun, a disciple of Nitcho, returned to the Head Temple after studying Buddhist scriptures on Mount Hiei. In 1317, Nikko Shonin appointed Nichijun as the second rector of the seminary. At Omosu Seminary, emphasis was laid on clarification of the differences with the teachings set forth by the five elder priests and their disciples. At Omosu, the true doctrines of Nichiren Daishonin were taught and the fostering of the disciples who would propagate the true teachings was stressed.
Thus, Omosu seminary greatly contributed to the transmission and propagation of the true teachings.
Footnote
(3) Prince Nissho: Shakyamuni Buddha had five childhood names: Kudon, Kansho, Nissho, Shai, and Shakya. Requital for the Buddha's Favor reads in part,"Shakyamuni Buddha is called Nissho (the sun-seed). Lady Maya, his mother, dreamt of having conceived the sun and gave birth to the prince."
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