An Offering of Soybeans

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When a single soybean is brought to the Lotus Sutra, the entire realm of phenomena becomes the lotus realm.

An Offering of Soybeans

Background

IHAVE gratefully received one koku of soybeans from you and have respectfully reported this in the presence of the Lotus Sutra. When a single drop of water is brought to the sea, it never evaporates, even in the face of the three calamities. When a single blossom is placed in the five heavens of purity, it never wilts,1 even in the fire at the end of the kalpa of decline. When a single soybean is brought to the Lotus Sutra, the entire realm of phenomena becomes the lotus realm.

With my deep respect,

Nichiren

The twenty-third day of the tenth month

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Background

This letter was written by Nichiren Daishonin on the twenty-third day of the tenth month in 1270 (another view suggests 1282) in thanks for one koku of soybeans. Its recipient is unknown. The Daishonin expresses his gratitude for the offering of soybeans and states that the benefit deriving from such an offering will change the entire realm of phenomena into the Buddha land, represented here by the lotus realm.

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Note

1. “The five heavens of purity” are the five highest heavens in the world of form. According to The Great Commentary on Abhidharma, these heavens are free from the three major calamities—those of fire, water, and wind—that are said to occur at the end of the world.

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