The Ryūsen-ji Petition Chapter7
To sum up, if careful investigation is made into the provisional and the true in terms of the Buddhist teachings and into the truth or falsity of the charges that are being brought, the entire inquiry conducted in accordance with the golden words of the Buddha and the provisions clearly set forth in the legal codes,33 and appropriate measures are taken to prevent further abuse, then the benevolent deities who protect the nation will cease their unusual behavior and the heavenly gods who guard the correct teaching will smile once again. Gyōchi, the deputy chief priest of Ryūsen-ji, who carries out these evil and unworthy actions, must be dismissed. If not, then it is doubtful that the chief priest of the said temple can escape grave censure as a result. One should keep in mind that the example of Ryūsen-ji is different from what happened earlier at Jissō-ji.34
We request, therefore, that the affair be settled in accordance with unquestionable principles of justice and that Nisshū and Nichiben be allowed to occupy their assigned quarters, to repair the halls and other temple buildings and to devote themselves wholeheartedly to their duty as loyal subjects, offering prayers for the longevity of the sovereign and the safety of the land. With this aim in mind, we respectfully submit this document for the consideration of the authorities.
The tenth month in the second year of Kōan [1279]
Presented by the shramanas Nisshū and Nichiben
Notes
33. “Legal codes” refers to The Formulary of Adjudications, which was a regarded as symbol of fair and equitable law by the society of the time. Formulated in 1232, it was the first codification of law established by the Kamakura shogunate.
34. Jissō-ji was a Tendai temple at Iwamoto in Fuji. The third and fourth chief priests of the temple lapsed into a pattern of wanton misconduct. In 1268, Nikkō, who was a resident priest there, filed a complaint against them with the Kamakura government. In the case of Jissō-ji, its chief priest had no connection with the ruling Hōjō clan, but Gyōchi, the deputy chief priest of Ryūsen-ji, was a member of the ruling clan. He therefore was more likely to gain personal favors from the Kamakura government.