six elder disciples of Nikkō [本六] ( hon-roku): Six priests selected by Nikkō, Nichiren’s immediate disciple and successor, to protect and propagate the teachings of Nichiren. Nikkō followed the example of his master, who appointed the six senior priests including him. Nikkō’s six elder disciples were Nichimoku, Nikke, Nisshū, Nichizen, Nissen, and Nichijō. They all had met Nichiren in person. According to one account, Nikkō designated the six around 1298. See also six new disciples of Nikkō.