On the Importance of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span” Chapters—Chapter8

And now I have written out and am sending you [chapters from] this sutra that, as I have explained, embodies doctrinal principles of the greatest importance. You must have ever greater faith in it!

The “Encouragements” chapter says, “[If you see a person who accepts and upholds this sutra], you should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha.”

The “Peaceful Practices” chapter states, “The heavenly beings day and night will for the sake of the Law constantly guard and protect them. . . .　The young sons of heavenly beings will wait on him and serve him.”

And the “Simile and Parable” chapter says, “[But now this threefold world is all my domain], and the living beings in it are all my children.”

And since those who uphold the Lotus Sutra are children of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, how could Brahmā, Shakra, the gods of the sun and moon, and the host of stars fail to watch over you day and night, morning and evening? What secret teaching could surpass the Lotus Sutra in dispelling all the perils and disasters that may face one in a dangerous year? You can count on it, count on it!

When I was in Kamakura, we could keep in very close contact, but now that I am living in a remote region, I have no opportunity to meet with you in person. The thoughts I have in my heart can only be conveyed by way of messengers and letters. It is sad, sad indeed!

As for this year of danger that you face, trust in me. See whether the promises made in the Lotus Sutra by Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, emanations of Shakyamuni, are trustworthy or not. Try putting your trust in them!

There is much more I would like to say.

Nichiren

The twenty-third day of the fourth month in the first year of Kōan [1278], cyclical sign tsuchinoe-tora

Reply to Ōta Saemon-no-jō