Letter to Shimoyama（1st of 1st paragraph）

2023.12.26

Chapter1 of the 1st paragraph()

YOU have stated that it is imperative that recitation of the Amida Sutra be carried out at the appointed time each day. Even before you gave these instructions in the matter, as an official representative of my father, and on my own behalf as well, I have for the past four or five years without fail been carrying out recitation of the Amida Sutra at the appointed time.

But from the end of spring and beginning of summer last year, I ceased recitation of the Amida Sutra and have devoted all my attention to recitation of the verse section of the “Life Span” chapter of the Lotus Sutra, or have busied myself with a reading of the entire sutra.

I do this solely as a form of prayer for the sake of my present and future existences. But as to how I came to cease recitation of the Amida Sutra and the Nembutsu, I wish to relate the following.

These days the Sage Nichiren is known throughout the country of Japan. Some time ago, in the summer of the eleventh year of Bun’ei [1274], he took up residence in a retreat deep in the mountains near the peak of Mount Minobu, in the districts of Iino, Mimaki, and Hakiri of our province of Kai. Though qualified persons have asked to be allowed to journey there to receive his doctrinal teaching, they have not been granted permission. It is felt that, unless one has particularly close connections with him, one will not be suited to receive instruction.

Learning that a certain person was going for an interview with him, I decided to try to go along, not because I intended to take faith in the teachings, but because I simply wished to observe the situation. Slipping into the grounds at a deserted spot, I hid behind the retreat where he is residing and was able to listen in as he explained the doctrine to persons who had questions concerning it.

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