Background and Summary(Short Story)
The letter, written by the Daishonin to Yasaburō, advises him for an upcoming debate with a Pure Land school priest. It emphasizes the importance of revering Shakyamuni, the historical founder of Buddhism, and criticizes the worship of Amida Buddha as disloyalty. The Daishonin argues that only Shakyamuni possesses the three virtues of sovereign, teacher, and parent. He states that the growing influence of the Pure Land school has led people to trust in Amida Buddha, causing grave errors that bring disaster to the country.
Main Text
You must simply make up your mind. Look at the world this year as a mirror. The reason that you have survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair. This is where you will cross the Uji River. This is where you will ford the Seta. This will determine whether you win honor or disgrace your name. This is what is meant when it is said that it is difficult to be born as a human being, and that it is difficult to believe in the Lotus Sutra.