The Life of Nichiren Daishonin Part 5

 

Key Points / Summary:

Atsuhara Persecution (Sep, 1279)

1. Remember we talked about Nikko Shonin?
2. Post Nichiren shifting to Mount Minobu, Nikko Shonin moved to Fuji district (Suruga Province) and propagated Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching widely
3. He converted lots of Tendai school followers and priests !!
4. This widespread movement puzzled, befuddled and created panic in military government.
5. On Sep 21, 1279, 20 followers of Nichiren Daishonin were picked from Atsuhara area (Fuji District) and were taken to Kamakura.
6. They were tortured and pressed to abandon their faith.
7. But they didnt give up !!
8. In this episode, due to incessant torturing, 3 followers - Jinshiro, Yagoro and Yarokoro were ultimately executed and rest 17 were banished from their place of residence.
9. Now this event is very significant for a few reasons
   1. First time, direct persecution by authorities was done on disciples of Nichiren Daishonin
   2. The faith of these disciples was so strong that they didn’t budge even on the face of death and imminent torture
   3. Most importantly, these farmers showed that they have got connected to the Law and not to the person. Remember, Nichiren after May 1275, was residing in Mount Minobu while these farmers were practising in Fuji district - Atsuhara area
   4. They were fostered and guided by Nikko Shonin.
10. Considering these significances, Nichiren Daishonin understood that the faith of disciples is now strong and this teaching will now be championed by ordinary people.
11. While Shijo Kingo stood besides Nichiren Daishonin during Tatsunukochi persecution, Nanjo Tokimitsu helped and worked tirelessly to protect his fellow members as he lived in neighbouring village of Atsuhara
12. Also, this Atsuhara persecution has high influence on inscription of Gohonzon by Nichiren Daishonin.
13. The Gohonzon which we get through SGI is based on “Dai Gohonzon” inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin on Oct 12, 1279.

Last years

1. Can you tell me when did Nichiren Daishonin shifted to Mount Minobu?
2. It was in May 1274.
3. By that time, he aged - 53 years. Majority of his life he lived outside home, in exile and faced multiple persecutions.
4. By this age, his health started to decline and finally after being in Mount Minobu for 8-9 years, in Sep 1282, he left Mount Minobu
5. He wanted to go to hot springs in Hitachi province but stayed at Ikegami brothers place for some time
6. Even in ill health, he continued to deliver lecture on “Risho AnkokuRon”
7. Finally, on Oct 13, 1282 at the age of 61, he passed away.
8. After Nichiren Daishonin’s death, Nikko Shonin carried on his mentor’s fearless spirit and advanced Kosen-Rufu.
9. Nikko Shonin established school named - Nichiren Shoshu and continued to guide disciples based on Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching.