Propagation by the Wise

Background

This letter was sent from Minobu to Shijō Kingo in the ninth month of 1276. Because Lord Ema disapproved of his retainer Shijō Kingo’s belief in the Daishonin’s teachings, he harassed Kingo in various ways. At one point he even threatened to transfer the samurai to the remote province of Echigo on the Sea of Japan if he refused to renounce his allegiance to the Daishonin. This letter was the Daishonin’s answer to Kingo’s request for guidance in these circumstances.

The letter clarifies the two necessary elements for the propagation of Buddhism: a person of wisdom and supporters to aid him.