Nichiben ［日弁］ (1239–1311): A disciple of Nichiren. Born in Kai Province, Japan, he became a priest at Ryūsen-ji, a temple of the Tendai school in Atsuhara Village of Fuji District in Suruga Province. There Nikkō converted him and another priest, Nisshū, to Nichiren’s teachings. Though threatened by the deputy chief priest, Gyōchi, they remained at Ryūsen-ji, preaching Nichiren’s teachings to the people in that area. When the Atsuhara Persecution took place, Nichiren sent Nichiben and Nisshū to Guhō-ji temple in Shimōsa Province for their safety. The chief priest of the temple was Nitchō, who would later be designated by Nichiren as one of the six senior priests. Nichiben is said to have spread Nichiren’s teachings in the neighboring province of Kazusa and in Mutsu Province to the north. Nikkō’s record shows that he eventually turned against Nikkō after Nichiren’s death.