Soka Gakkai Nichiren Buddhism Library

Skip to main content (Press Enter).

  • How to Use
  • Text Color Normal
  • Text Color Reverse
  • Text Size Small
  • Text Size Large
  • The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin I/II
    • Volume I
    • Volume II
  • The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras
  • The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings
  • The Soka Gakkai Dictionary of Buddhism

Back

  • Find Within This Text

  • Find Prev.
  • Find Next
  • Close

Skip items for smartphones (Press Enter).

Reply to Matsuno
Search
Text Search
  • close

Back

  • Find Prev.
  • Find Next
  • Close

Skip navigation (Press Enter).

Bookmark Page No.
  • Top
  • Previous
  • Next
  • Last
  • Add bookmark
  • Glossary off
  • Find Within This Text

Skip navigation (Press Enter).

WND I: 104 Reply to Matsuno

( pp.843 - 844 )

PDF download

Notes MENU

TOC
Background
Bookmark
Bookmark Go

Glossary
Text Color
Text Size Small
Text Size Large

 1. The eight paths lead in eight directions, that is, toward the eight points of the compass.

 2. Māndārava, great māndārava, manjūshaka , and great manjūshaka flowers. Fragrant red and white flowers that, according to ancient Indian tradition, bloom in heaven.

 3. Magnolia is a deciduous tree native to China, which grows to a height of about ten meters. It has feather-shaped, compound leaves and produces small yellow flowers in summer. Its hard, round seeds were strung together to make prayer beads. “Ten ryō” would weigh about 1.6 kilograms.

843104

Reply to Matsuno


Background

I HAVE received one thousand coins, one shō of oil, one robe, and ten writing brushes. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for the sincerity that you have always shown me, so I will leave it to the Lotus Sutra and to Shakyamuni Buddha.

As I have been saying for some time, in your situation as a lay believer, you should just single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night, and observe what happens at the last moments of your life. At that time, hasten to the summit of perfect enlightenment, and look around you in all directions. The entire realm of phenomena will have changed into the Land of Tranquil Light, with the ground made of lapis lazuli, the eight paths1 marked off by golden ropes, the four kinds of flowers2 raining down from the heavens, music resounding in the air, and Buddhas and bodhisattvas all being caressed by breezes of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. We, too, will surely be among their number. The Lotus Sutra is indeed such a splendid sutra!

I am pressed for time, so I will not go into detail.

With my deep respect,

Nichiren


The ninth day of the ninth month in the third year of Kenji (1277), cyclical sign hinoto-ushi


Reply to Matsuno


Postscript: Would you kindly send me about ten ryō of magnolia tree seeds?3

Back to Top

Background


This letter was written at Minobu to Matsuno Rokurō Saemon, one of Nichiren Daishonin’s followers, who lived in Matsuno of Suruga Province. In this letter, the Daishonin expresses his appreciation for Matsuno’s offerings and encourages him to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with earnest faith throughout his life. In this way, urges the Daishonin, Matsuno will be able to experience Buddhahood at the moment of his death.

Back to Top

844Notes


 1. The eight paths lead in eight directions, that is, toward the eight points of the compass.

 2. Māndārava, great māndārava, manjūshaka , and great manjūshaka flowers. Fragrant red and white flowers that, according to ancient Indian tradition, bloom in heaven.

 3. Magnolia is a deciduous tree native to China, which grows to a height of about ten meters. It has feather-shaped, compound leaves and produces small yellow flowers in summer. Its hard, round seeds were strung together to make prayer beads. “Ten ryō” would weigh about 1.6 kilograms.

Back
  • How to Use
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Site Feedback
  • Web Accessibility Policy

© Soka Gakkai. All Rights Reserved.