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Reply to Ko Nyudo
I have received two paper bags of sea laver,
ten bundles of seaweed, one paper bag of algae and one bunch
of mushrooms.
The human mind is inconstant; it is ever-changing
and unfixed. I thought it wondrous that you pledged faith
in my teachings while I was in the province of Sado, and
your sincerity in sending your husband all the way here
is even more remarkable. The provinces we live in are far
apart and months and years have passed, so I was concerned
that you might slacken in your resolve. However, you are
increasingly demonstrating the depth of your faith and accumulating
good deeds. Surely this is not a result of practice over
just one or two previous lifetimes.
Because the Lotus Sutra is difficult to
believe, the Buddha assumes various forms, such as that
of one’s child, parent or wife, to enable one to take
faith in it. However, you have no children, and live alone
as husband and wife. The sutra states, "... the living
beings in it [this threefold world] are all my children."1
If this is so, then Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings,
must be a compassionate father to both of you. I, Nichiren,
must be your child, but, wishing to save the people of Japan,
I am residing
for the time being in the central part
of the country. The meritorious deeds you have accumulated
in previous existences are indeed precious.
When the Mongols come pouring into Japan,
please make your way here. And, because you have no sons,
please consider coming here to live with me in your old
age. No place is secure. Be convinced that Buddhahood is
the final abode.
Respectfully,
Nichiren
The twelfth day of the fourth month
Reply to Ko Nyudo
Footnotes:
- Lotus
Sutra, chap. 3.
Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 7.
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