Letter to Chōraku-ji

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You should all gather together in one place as soon as possible to discuss the matter and debate what is to be done.

Letter to Chōraku-ji

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WITH regard to the matter of overcoming and subduing the Mongol nation, I have sent letters to various personages. Already the predictions that I, Nichiren, made in my On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land have proved to be absolutely correct.

You should make haste to abandon your erroneous doctrines and erroneous teachings and put faith in the true doctrine and true teaching. If you do not heed my advice, then in your present existence you will bring about the downfall of the nation and your own destruction, and in your next existence you will most certainly fall into hell.

You should all gather together in one place as soon as possible to discuss the matter and debate what is to be done. This is my wish, and I trust that in your reply you will indicate your assent.

I would never venture merely to heap scorn on the other schools of Buddhism. My sole aim is to insure the peace and safety of our country.

With my deep respect,

Nichiren

The eleventh day of the tenth month in the fifth year of Bun’ei [1268]

Respectfully presented to the attendant of Chōraku-ji

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Background

One of eleven letters of remonstrance, this was sent to Chōraku-ji, a temple established by Chikei, a second-generation disciple of Hōnen, the founder of the Japanese Pure Land (Nembutsu) school. At the time of this letter Chōraku-ji was counted among the seven major temples of Kamakura, but the name of its chief priest is unknown. The temple no longer exists.

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