Reply to the Sage Iwamoto Nitchū
ARE we to suppose that this applies to two Buddhas at the same time? Or is one of the parties speaking lies?
In recent times the Nembutsu believers have deluded and led astray the whole world! One should wake up to this fact as quickly as possible!
Incidentally, I was surprised and delighted to receive the fine horse you sent. There are various matters I want to discuss when I see you next.
With my deep respect,
Nichiren
The twentieth day of the ninth month
Reply to the Sage Iwamoto Nitchū
My studies during this period have been solely for this purpose. And I have heard a rumor that teachers of the True Word school have appealed to the authorities.
Background
This is a fragment of a letter that was addressed to Iwamoto Nitchū. One view identifies him with Buzen-kō, who was a follower of Nichiren Daishonin, and who, as a resident priest of Jissō-ji temple in Suruga Province, received from him a letter entitled Jissō-ji Temple. The meaning of the first sentence is unclear, but one opinion suggests that “two Buddhas” indicates Shakyamuni Buddha and Mahāvairochana Buddha, and another suggests Shakyamuni Buddha and Amida Buddha.