On Adhering to the Correct Teachings
SEEDS leading to the outbreak of dissension among the Buddhist teachings, portents of confusion for the nation. None of the words of the sages should be heeded. Each critic speaks disparagingly of Nichiren, stating that the True Word and Lotus Sutra schools, Mount Hiei, Tō-ji, Onjō-ji, and the temples of Nara represent the correct teachings that everyone from the ruler down to the common people all alike adhere to. They demand to know what I can possibly mean by claiming that I am now establishing the relative superiority of the Buddhist teachings for the first time, and by speaking out against the teachings of Jikaku, Chishō, and Kōbō. [And they ask if I have set out to purposely create] powerful enemies . . .
Background
The date when Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter is unclear, as only this fragment lacking both beginning and end is extant. From the contents, however, it is considered to have been written in the late Bun’ei era (1264–1275), or after. The Daishonin describes those who blame him for clarifying the ranking of Buddhist teachings and for speaking out against Buddhist teachers revered by contemporary society.