Gosho Zenshu - Part 12
"The Venerable Mahakashyapa was the worthiest of all the Buddha's disciples. In terms of lineage, he was the son of the wealthy Nyagrodha of the kingdom of Magadha. The floor of his house was covered with 1,000 straw mats, each seven feet thick. Even those mats of lower quality were each worth a thousand ryo of gold. The household assets included 999 plows, each worth 1,000 ryo of gold, and 60 storehouses, each with 340 koku of gold inside. Such was the immensity of his wealth. "His wife had a gold-colored body, which shed light to a distance of 16 ri. Her beauty exceeded even that of Lady Soto'ori Hime of Japan and that of Lady Li of China. "This husband and wife conceived a desire to seek the Way, and they became disciples of the Buddha. In the Lotus Sutra, it was predicted that the husband would become the Buddha Light Bright. "If we were to inquire into the past existences of these two people, we would find that because one had offered a bowl of wheat to a pratyekabuddha, he was later born as the Venerable Mahakashyapa. The other was a poor woman who had a sculptor of Buddhist images [a previous incarnation of Mahakashyapa] beat a gold coin of hers into gilding to repair a patch on the statue of the Buddha Vipashyin where the gold had peeled away, later becoming this person's [Mahakashyapa's] wife.
"Although I, Nichiren, am not a sage, I have become known as the defender of the Lotus Sutra. For this, not only have I been hated and assailed by the ruler of the country, but my disciples and even those who visit me have been reviled or struck, or have had their fiefs confiscated, or have been driven from their dwellings."
"Just as I was thinking that, even if I remained free from illness, I would surely die of starvation, the wheat you sent arrived. It is more wonderful than gold and more precious than jewels. "How, then, could Tokimitsu's wheat fail to turn into the characters of the Lotus Sutra? These characters of the Lotus Sutra will become Shakyamuni Buddha and then a pair of wings for your deceased father, flying and soaring to the pure land of Eagle Peak. Upon returning, they will cover your body and guide you."
(Tokimitsu Gohenji, GZ-1550)
"In July, we bought one sho of salt for one hundred coins and traded five go of salt for one to of wheat. But now we have no salt at all. What do we have to buy salt with anyway? We are running out of soy bean paste as well. I have been yearning [for salt] as a baby longs for milk."
(Ueno Dono Gohenji, GZ-1551)
"A king regards the people as his parents."
(?, GZ-1554)
"Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, like adding oil to a lamp to increase its light, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes."
(Ueno Dono Gohenji, GZ-1562)
"Though we may suffer for a short time, in the end we will be happy. We are like the only son of a ruler. Is there any way that he will not end up as king himself? None at all."
(Ueno Dono Gohenji, GZ-1565)
"Until now I have repeatedly thought to myself that the matter of Nanjo Shichiro Goro's death must have been a dream or a fantasy, or certainly untrue, but it is again mentioned in your letter. And so, for the first time, I have become convinced of its truth."
(Nanjo Dono Gohenji, GZ-1566)
"On the matter of the death of Nanjo Shichiro Goro, all people, once born, are certain to die. This is known to all people, both the wise and the foolish, both those of high and low standing. Therefore, when that time comes, one should not lament or be alarmed as though learning this for the first time. I have borne this in mind myself and also taught it to others. But since the time has actually arrived, I cannot help wondering even now whether this [Shichiro Goro's death] is a dream or fantasy.
"Above all, how your mother [Ueno-ama Gozen] must be grieving. She was preceded in death both by her parents and siblings, and she was bereaved of her beloved husband. Still, her many children must have been a comfort to her.
"(Shichiro Goro] was a charming child and, moreover, a boy. He was very handsome and brave and had a trustworthy look. He made others feel refreshed. His having died so young, however, while defying reason, is like the buds of a flower being withered by the wind, or the full moon suddenly waning.
"It doesn't seem real to me [that he has died], and so I do not feel inclined to continue. I will write you again.
With my deep respect
Nichiren
The sixth day of the ninth month of 1280
Postscript: When I met him on June 15, he struck me as a lad of splendid spirit and as very gallant. I am most sad that I will not be able to see him again.
Still, since he believed deeply in Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra, in his last moment he was splendidly composed. He certainly went to the pure land of Eagle Peak where his father dwells. They must have had a joyful reunion. How wonderful! How wonderful!"
(Ueno Dono Gosho, GZ-1567-1568)
"I have read your message that your joy at the beginning of spring has unfolded like the cherry blossoms and waxed full like the moon."
(Ueno Ama Gozen Gohenji, GZ-1575)
"Those who visit this place can instantly expiate the sins they have committed from the infinite past."
(Nanjo Dono Gohenji, GZ-1578)
"All things depend on the country and on the time. In practicing Buddhism, one should take this principle into consideration."
(?, GZ-1579)
From the seventeenth day of the sixth month of the eleventh year of Bun'ei (1274), when I retired here [Mount Minobu], through the eighth day of the twelfth month of this year [1281], I have not ventured away from this mountain. For the past eight years I have become weaker year by year because of emaciating sickness and old age and my mental powers have waned.
I have been ill since the spring of this year and with the passing of autumn and arrival of winter I have grown weaker by the day and each night my symptoms have grown more severe. For more than ten days now I have hardly been able to eat anything. Meanwhile the snow grows deeper and I am assailed by the cold.
My body is as cold as a stone, and the coldness in my breast is like ice. At such times, I warm up some sake and consume kakko, and it's as though a fire has been kindled in my heart, or like entering a hot bath. Sweat washes my body and the droplets cleanse my feet.
As I was happily thinking about how I might respond to your sincerity, tears welled up in my eyes....
While I, Nichiren, have been refraining from responding to letters from people on account of my illness, I am so saddened by this matter [of Shichiro Goro's death] that I have taken up my brush to write you. I, too, shall not be long in this world. I believe that I will certainly meet Lord Goro. If I should see him before you do, then I will inform him of your grief.
(Ueno Dono Haha Gozen Gohenji, GZ-1583-1584)
"The great white ox cart is a vehicle that flies freely into the sky of the fundamental nature of the Law [i.e., the state of Buddhahood]. Those who follow after Nichiren should board this vehicle and make their way to Eagle Peak. At that time, Nichiren will come to welcome them riding aboard the same vehicle."
(?, GZ-1584)
"Thin are the garments I wear and sparse the food I have, and I am no better than the Kankucho bird [which is tortured by the cold in the Snow Mountains] during the night. In the daytime I can never even for a single moment contain my desire to go down to the village. The voice reciting the sutra has all but ceased and the seeking spirit has faltered."
(Haru no Hajime Goshosoku, GZ-1585)
"I have received three straw mats and one basket of raw seaweed.... Here at Mount Minobu, there are many stones but no rice cakes, and much is covered with moss but nothing is available to be used as matting. I have been peeling bark off trees and using it as matting. So how could these straw mats not be counted among my treasures?"
(?, GZ-1587)
"I pray that my followers will be lion kings, above the mocking taunts of packs of foxes. It is rare indeed to meet with the lion, who, like Nichiren, has from the infinite past given his life to expose the wrongs of powerful adversaries."
(Enbudaichu Gosho, GZ-1589)
"That which you give to another will become your own sustenance; if you light a lamp for another, your own way will be lit."
(?, GZ-1598)
"The ruler of a great kingdom makes the people his parents."
(?, GZ-1598)
"I, Nichiren, transfer all of the teachings I have propagated throughout my life to Byakuren Ajari Nikko, who should be the supreme leader for propagating true Buddhism. When the sovereign accepts this Law, the high sanctuary of Hommon-ji temple should be erected at the foot of Mount Fuji. Simply wait for the time to come. This is the actual high sanctuary of true Buddhism. Above all my disciples should observe this document. The ninth month of the fifth year of Koan (1282), cyclical sign of mizunoe-uma. Nichiren. The order of heritage: from Nichiren to Nikko."
(Minobu Sojo Sho, GZ-1600)
"I transfer Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings of 50 years to Byakuren Ajari Nikko, who should become the chief priest of Minobu-san Kuon-ji temple. Those priests and lay believers who disregard this will be slanderers of the Law. The 13th day of the 10th month in the fifth year of Koan (1282), cyclical sign of mizunoe-uma. At Ikegami, Musashi Province.
Nichiren"
(Ikegami Sojo Sho, GZ-1600)
Nikko Shonin Sho
"Even if the parents have strong faith and receive Gohonzon, their children may abandon it. Teachers may receive Gohonzon due to their sincere service, but their disciples may abandon them .... Therefore, to add the name of the recipient [to the Gohonzon] is done for the purpose of honoring and illustrating the recipient's strong faith for future generations."
(Fuji Isseki Monto Zonchi no koto, GZ-1606)
"At the time of kosen-rufu, the Daishonin's words should be translated into foreign languages."
(Gonin Shoha Sho, GZ-1613)
"I will here set forth certain articles for the sake of later students of Buddhism. This is solely because I treasure the [Daishonin's] golden words regarding kosen-rufu."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon GZ-1617)
"Article 1: The doctrines of the Fuji School must not differ in the least from the teachings of the late master."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon GZ-1617)
"... idleness and chatter."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon GZ-1617)
"There will [in the future] appear persons who slander our school, saying that the Gosho are forged writings. You must not associate with such evil priests."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"You must not accept offerings from slanderers of the Law."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Followers of this school should engrave the teachings of the Gosho in their lives and thereby inherit the ultimate principles expounded by the Master."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Article 13: Until kosen-rufu is achieved, propagate the Law to the full extent of your ability without begrudging your life."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Article 14: As for practititioners who treasure the Law more highly than their own lives, even if they are but humble teachers of the Law, you must hold them in great esteem, showing them the same respect as you would a Buddha."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Article 17: Do not follow even the high priest if he goes against the Buddha's Law and propounds his own views."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Article 18: Even if a view is set forth unanimously by a conference [of believers], the high priest should repudiate it if it goes against the Buddha's Law."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"You should not sit together with slanderers of the Law at religious ceremonies for fear of suffering the same punishment as they."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"My disciples should conduct themselves as holy priests, patterning their behavior after that of the late master [Nichiren Daishonin]. However, even if a high priest or a priest striving for practice and understanding should temporarily deviate from [the principle of] sexual abstinence, he may still be allowed to remain in the priesthood [as a common priest without rank]."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1619)
"You should treasure those practitioners who are skilled in difficult debate, just as the late master [Nichiren Daishonin] did."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1619)
"I was instructed by the Daishonin in his last will: 'If the lord of this region should violate true Buddhism, my spirit will no longer dwell on this mountain.' However, I still see no indication that the lord violates true Buddhism."
(Hennentai Gosho 1729)
"If we do not disavow those [evil] teachers who go against Nichiren Daishonin, we will be committing an offense ourselves."
(Hennentai Gosho 1734)
"The Venerable Mahakashyapa was the worthiest of all the Buddha's disciples. In terms of lineage, he was the son of the wealthy Nyagrodha of the kingdom of Magadha. The floor of his house was covered with 1,000 straw mats, each seven feet thick. Even those mats of lower quality were each worth a thousand ryo of gold. The household assets included 999 plows, each worth 1,000 ryo of gold, and 60 storehouses, each with 340 koku of gold inside. Such was the immensity of his wealth. "His wife had a gold-colored body, which shed light to a distance of 16 ri. Her beauty exceeded even that of Lady Soto'ori Hime of Japan and that of Lady Li of China. "This husband and wife conceived a desire to seek the Way, and they became disciples of the Buddha. In the Lotus Sutra, it was predicted that the husband would become the Buddha Light Bright. "If we were to inquire into the past existences of these two people, we would find that because one had offered a bowl of wheat to a pratyekabuddha, he was later born as the Venerable Mahakashyapa. The other was a poor woman who had a sculptor of Buddhist images [a previous incarnation of Mahakashyapa] beat a gold coin of hers into gilding to repair a patch on the statue of the Buddha Vipashyin where the gold had peeled away, later becoming this person's [Mahakashyapa's] wife.
"Although I, Nichiren, am not a sage, I have become known as the defender of the Lotus Sutra. For this, not only have I been hated and assailed by the ruler of the country, but my disciples and even those who visit me have been reviled or struck, or have had their fiefs confiscated, or have been driven from their dwellings."
"Just as I was thinking that, even if I remained free from illness, I would surely die of starvation, the wheat you sent arrived. It is more wonderful than gold and more precious than jewels. "How, then, could Tokimitsu's wheat fail to turn into the characters of the Lotus Sutra? These characters of the Lotus Sutra will become Shakyamuni Buddha and then a pair of wings for your deceased father, flying and soaring to the pure land of Eagle Peak. Upon returning, they will cover your body and guide you."
(Tokimitsu Gohenji, GZ-1550)
"In July, we bought one sho of salt for one hundred coins and traded five go of salt for one to of wheat. But now we have no salt at all. What do we have to buy salt with anyway? We are running out of soy bean paste as well. I have been yearning [for salt] as a baby longs for milk."
(Ueno Dono Gohenji, GZ-1551)
"A king regards the people as his parents."
(?, GZ-1554)
"Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, like adding oil to a lamp to increase its light, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes."
(Ueno Dono Gohenji, GZ-1562)
"Though we may suffer for a short time, in the end we will be happy. We are like the only son of a ruler. Is there any way that he will not end up as king himself? None at all."
(Ueno Dono Gohenji, GZ-1565)
"Until now I have repeatedly thought to myself that the matter of Nanjo Shichiro Goro's death must have been a dream or a fantasy, or certainly untrue, but it is again mentioned in your letter. And so, for the first time, I have become convinced of its truth."
(Nanjo Dono Gohenji, GZ-1566)
"On the matter of the death of Nanjo Shichiro Goro, all people, once born, are certain to die. This is known to all people, both the wise and the foolish, both those of high and low standing. Therefore, when that time comes, one should not lament or be alarmed as though learning this for the first time. I have borne this in mind myself and also taught it to others. But since the time has actually arrived, I cannot help wondering even now whether this [Shichiro Goro's death] is a dream or fantasy.
"Above all, how your mother [Ueno-ama Gozen] must be grieving. She was preceded in death both by her parents and siblings, and she was bereaved of her beloved husband. Still, her many children must have been a comfort to her.
"(Shichiro Goro] was a charming child and, moreover, a boy. He was very handsome and brave and had a trustworthy look. He made others feel refreshed. His having died so young, however, while defying reason, is like the buds of a flower being withered by the wind, or the full moon suddenly waning.
"It doesn't seem real to me [that he has died], and so I do not feel inclined to continue. I will write you again.
With my deep respect
Nichiren
The sixth day of the ninth month of 1280
Postscript: When I met him on June 15, he struck me as a lad of splendid spirit and as very gallant. I am most sad that I will not be able to see him again.
Still, since he believed deeply in Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra, in his last moment he was splendidly composed. He certainly went to the pure land of Eagle Peak where his father dwells. They must have had a joyful reunion. How wonderful! How wonderful!"
(Ueno Dono Gosho, GZ-1567-1568)
"I have read your message that your joy at the beginning of spring has unfolded like the cherry blossoms and waxed full like the moon."
(Ueno Ama Gozen Gohenji, GZ-1575)
"Those who visit this place can instantly expiate the sins they have committed from the infinite past."
(Nanjo Dono Gohenji, GZ-1578)
"All things depend on the country and on the time. In practicing Buddhism, one should take this principle into consideration."
(?, GZ-1579)
From the seventeenth day of the sixth month of the eleventh year of Bun'ei (1274), when I retired here [Mount Minobu], through the eighth day of the twelfth month of this year [1281], I have not ventured away from this mountain. For the past eight years I have become weaker year by year because of emaciating sickness and old age and my mental powers have waned.
I have been ill since the spring of this year and with the passing of autumn and arrival of winter I have grown weaker by the day and each night my symptoms have grown more severe. For more than ten days now I have hardly been able to eat anything. Meanwhile the snow grows deeper and I am assailed by the cold.
My body is as cold as a stone, and the coldness in my breast is like ice. At such times, I warm up some sake and consume kakko, and it's as though a fire has been kindled in my heart, or like entering a hot bath. Sweat washes my body and the droplets cleanse my feet.
As I was happily thinking about how I might respond to your sincerity, tears welled up in my eyes....
While I, Nichiren, have been refraining from responding to letters from people on account of my illness, I am so saddened by this matter [of Shichiro Goro's death] that I have taken up my brush to write you. I, too, shall not be long in this world. I believe that I will certainly meet Lord Goro. If I should see him before you do, then I will inform him of your grief.
(Ueno Dono Haha Gozen Gohenji, GZ-1583-1584)
"The great white ox cart is a vehicle that flies freely into the sky of the fundamental nature of the Law [i.e., the state of Buddhahood]. Those who follow after Nichiren should board this vehicle and make their way to Eagle Peak. At that time, Nichiren will come to welcome them riding aboard the same vehicle."
(?, GZ-1584)
"Thin are the garments I wear and sparse the food I have, and I am no better than the Kankucho bird [which is tortured by the cold in the Snow Mountains] during the night. In the daytime I can never even for a single moment contain my desire to go down to the village. The voice reciting the sutra has all but ceased and the seeking spirit has faltered."
(Haru no Hajime Goshosoku, GZ-1585)
"I have received three straw mats and one basket of raw seaweed.... Here at Mount Minobu, there are many stones but no rice cakes, and much is covered with moss but nothing is available to be used as matting. I have been peeling bark off trees and using it as matting. So how could these straw mats not be counted among my treasures?"
(?, GZ-1587)
"I pray that my followers will be lion kings, above the mocking taunts of packs of foxes. It is rare indeed to meet with the lion, who, like Nichiren, has from the infinite past given his life to expose the wrongs of powerful adversaries."
(Enbudaichu Gosho, GZ-1589)
"That which you give to another will become your own sustenance; if you light a lamp for another, your own way will be lit."
(?, GZ-1598)
"The ruler of a great kingdom makes the people his parents."
(?, GZ-1598)
"I, Nichiren, transfer all of the teachings I have propagated throughout my life to Byakuren Ajari Nikko, who should be the supreme leader for propagating true Buddhism. When the sovereign accepts this Law, the high sanctuary of Hommon-ji temple should be erected at the foot of Mount Fuji. Simply wait for the time to come. This is the actual high sanctuary of true Buddhism. Above all my disciples should observe this document. The ninth month of the fifth year of Koan (1282), cyclical sign of mizunoe-uma. Nichiren. The order of heritage: from Nichiren to Nikko."
(Minobu Sojo Sho, GZ-1600)
"I transfer Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings of 50 years to Byakuren Ajari Nikko, who should become the chief priest of Minobu-san Kuon-ji temple. Those priests and lay believers who disregard this will be slanderers of the Law. The 13th day of the 10th month in the fifth year of Koan (1282), cyclical sign of mizunoe-uma. At Ikegami, Musashi Province.
Nichiren"
(Ikegami Sojo Sho, GZ-1600)
Nikko Shonin Sho
"Even if the parents have strong faith and receive Gohonzon, their children may abandon it. Teachers may receive Gohonzon due to their sincere service, but their disciples may abandon them .... Therefore, to add the name of the recipient [to the Gohonzon] is done for the purpose of honoring and illustrating the recipient's strong faith for future generations."
(Fuji Isseki Monto Zonchi no koto, GZ-1606)
"At the time of kosen-rufu, the Daishonin's words should be translated into foreign languages."
(Gonin Shoha Sho, GZ-1613)
"I will here set forth certain articles for the sake of later students of Buddhism. This is solely because I treasure the [Daishonin's] golden words regarding kosen-rufu."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon GZ-1617)
"Article 1: The doctrines of the Fuji School must not differ in the least from the teachings of the late master."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon GZ-1617)
"... idleness and chatter."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon GZ-1617)
"There will [in the future] appear persons who slander our school, saying that the Gosho are forged writings. You must not associate with such evil priests."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"You must not accept offerings from slanderers of the Law."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Followers of this school should engrave the teachings of the Gosho in their lives and thereby inherit the ultimate principles expounded by the Master."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Article 13: Until kosen-rufu is achieved, propagate the Law to the full extent of your ability without begrudging your life."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Article 14: As for practititioners who treasure the Law more highly than their own lives, even if they are but humble teachers of the Law, you must hold them in great esteem, showing them the same respect as you would a Buddha."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Article 17: Do not follow even the high priest if he goes against the Buddha's Law and propounds his own views."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"Article 18: Even if a view is set forth unanimously by a conference [of believers], the high priest should repudiate it if it goes against the Buddha's Law."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"You should not sit together with slanderers of the Law at religious ceremonies for fear of suffering the same punishment as they."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1618)
"My disciples should conduct themselves as holy priests, patterning their behavior after that of the late master [Nichiren Daishonin]. However, even if a high priest or a priest striving for practice and understanding should temporarily deviate from [the principle of] sexual abstinence, he may still be allowed to remain in the priesthood [as a common priest without rank]."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1619)
"You should treasure those practitioners who are skilled in difficult debate, just as the late master [Nichiren Daishonin] did."
(Nikko Yuikai Okimon, GZ-1619)
"I was instructed by the Daishonin in his last will: 'If the lord of this region should violate true Buddhism, my spirit will no longer dwell on this mountain.' However, I still see no indication that the lord violates true Buddhism."
(Hennentai Gosho 1729)
"If we do not disavow those [evil] teachers who go against Nichiren Daishonin, we will be committing an offense ourselves."
(Hennentai Gosho 1734)
