Letter to Kōnichi-bō
Chapter5(Recollections of Yashirō’s Life)
Main Text
I had thought at the time of going to my birthplace to visit my parents’ grave once again. However, it is the tradition of both Buddhism and the secular world that one should return home in glory. Had I returned without any honor worthy of mention, would I not have proven myself an unfilial son? Since I had already overcome such hardships and returned to Kamakura, I thought that I might still have some opportunity to return home in triumph, and that I would wait until such time to visit my parents’ grave. Because I feel deeply about this, I have yet to travel to my birthplace. But I am so homesick that, whenever someone says that the wind is blowing from the east, I rush out from my dwelling to feel it, and if told that clouds are gathering in the eastern sky, I stand in the garden to watch them. With such emotions, my heart warms even toward those with whom I would not otherwise be friendly if they are from my native province. Imagine, then, how beside myself I was with joy at receiving your letter! I opened and read it in great haste, only to learn that you had lost your son Yashirō the year before last, on the eighth day of the sixth month. I had been delighted before I opened your letter, but then, upon reading the sad news, I wished I had not opened it in such a hurry. I felt regret such as Urashima Tarō13 must have experienced upon opening his casket.
I never think lightly of the people from my native province, nor do I cease to care about what happens to them, even if they have caused me sorrow or treated me cruelly. Your son especially impressed me. His handsome appearance made him stand out among the others, and in his thoughtful air there seemed no trace of obstinacy. I first saw him during one of my lectures on the Lotus Sutra. Since there were many strangers present, I did not venture to address him. When my lecture ended, my listeners left, as did your son. But later he sent a messenger to convey the following.
“I am from a place called Amatsu in the province of Awa. Since my childhood, I have always greatly admired your commitment. My mother also thinks highly of you. I may be speaking with undue familiarity, but there is something about which I would like to seek your counsel in confidence. I know that I should wait until after we have met several times and are better acquainted. However, as I am in the service of a certain warrior, I have little time to spare, and the matter is quite urgent. Therefore, while fully aware that I am being rude, I ask that you grant me an interview.”
In this way he courteously asked to consult with me. Moreover, since he was from my native province, I told him he need not stand on ceremony and invited him to my residence. He talked in great detail about the past and future. Then he said, “Impermanence is the way of the world. No one knows when one may die. Moreover, I am committed to a warrior’s service, and I cannot avoid a challenge to combat that I have lately received. I dread what may await me in my next life. I beg you to help me.”
I gave him instruction, quoting sutra passages. Then he lamented, saying, “I can do nothing for my deceased father. But should I die before my widowed mother, I would be an unfilial son. Should anything happen to me, please ask your disciples to look after her.”
In this respectful way, he made his request. Am I right in assuming that nothing untoward happened on that occasion, but that some later incident brought about his death?
Notes
13. A figure from Japanese legend. After spending three pleasure-filled years in the sea god’s palace at the bottom of the sea, Urashima returned home to find that he could not recognize anyone in his native village. In his bewilderment and distress, he opened a casket he had been given in the sea god’s palace but instructed never to open. A cloud of white smoke rushed out, his hair turned completely white, and in an instant he became a withered old man. In reality, several hundred years had passed while he was away.
Lecture
This chapter is an introductory section in which Nichiren Daishonin, writing to Kōnichi-bō, a fellow native of his home province, shares his heartfelt feelings for his hometown, expresses his thoughts on the letter sent by Kōnichi-bō, and recalls memories of Yashirō during his lifetime. It serves as a prelude to the guidance that follows in Chapters Six and Seven.
In this chapter, the Daishonin deeply empathizes with Kōnichi-bō’s feelings and recalls Yashirō’s life from the same emotional standpoint as hers. Within these words, one cannot help but sense the Daishonin’s profound compassion.
In striking contrast to the majestic figure of the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, who breaks through every form of obstacle and devilish function like a lion king, here we see him offering warm and heartfelt encouragement to a single, helpless woman as one human being to another. The Daishonin, who fought for the sake of all Japan, for the entire world, and indeed for the eternal future of the Latter Day of the Law, also walked side by side with each individual through their joys and sorrows. With a deeply human nature overflowing with warmth and love, he always stood on the side of those who suffered misfortune.
True greatness is not found in some distant place; it resides in the depths of our humanity. If one cannot save even a single suffering individual, how could one possibly save an entire nation?
This principle remains unchanged from ancient times to the present day. It is the expression of profound humanity that transforms individuals, transforms society, and ultimately transforms the world. We must be firmly convinced that this is the strongest power of all.
Comments