The Life of Nichiren Daishonin

Question 1

1. What vow did Nichiren make as a youth while studying at Seicho-ji temple? (See The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 3)

Answer 1

At the age of twelve, he began his schooling at a nearby temple called Seicho-ji. During this period, he made a vow to become the wisest person in Japan. He sought to gain the wisdom of the Buddhist teachings for overcoming the fundamental sufferings of life and death and thereby lead his parents and all people to genuine happiness.

Question 2

2. A series of calamities and disasters, including a devastating earthquake, prompted Nichiren to submit a treatise to the retired regent Hojo Tokiyori on July 16,
3. What was the treatise’s title? (See The Basics, p. 6)

Answer 2

“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”

Question 3

3. What did Nichiren seek to do in writing and submitting this treatise? (See The Basics, p. 6)

Answer 3

To clarify the fundamental cause of people’s suffering and set forth the means by which people could eradicate such suffering.

Question 4

4. In triumphing over the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, Nichiren, while remaining an ordinary human being, revealed his original identity as a Buddha possessing infinite wisdom and compassion. This is called in Buddhism. (See The Basics, p. 9)

Answer 4

This is called casting off the transient and revealing the true.

Question 5

5. When the government rejected the Daishonin’s final remonstration, he decided to leave Kamakura and, in May 1274, took up residence at Mount Minobu in Kai Province. What activities did he engage in at Minobu? (See The Basics, pp. 12–13)

Answer 5

He composed many of his major works there, including “The Selection of the Time” and “On Repaying Debts of Gratitude,” elucidating numerous important teachings. Through lectures on the Lotus Sutra, he devoted himself to fostering disciples who would carry out kosen-rufu in the future. During this period, he also wrote many letters to his lay followers throughout the country, patiently instructing and encouraging them so they could persevere with strong faith, win in life, and attain the state of Buddhahood.

Question 6

6. The Daishonin died at Ikegami Munenaka’s residence on October 13, 1282. Just before his death, which writing did he deliver a lecture on? (See The Basics, p. 15)

Answer 6

“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land.”