This Person Will Practice among the People

After I had not heard from you for some time, your letter arrived. In addition, I have received the quilted robe with a blue lining, a hat, a sash, one kan of coins and a basket of chestnuts.

The present time corresponds to the first five hundred years of the Latter Day of the Law. The text of the sutra clearly states that at this time, Bodhisattva Jogyo will make his advent and bestow the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo upon all the people of Japan. It also makes clear that he will face exile and execution. I, Nichiren, am like the emissary of Bodhisattva Jogyo, because I am spreading this doctrine.

The Jinriki chapter states: "Just as the light of the sun and moon illuminates all obscurity, this person will practice among the people and dispel the darkness of all beings." In this passage, in the statement, "this person will practice among the people," to whom do you think "this person" refers? I believe that it must indicate the person who is the reincarnation of Bodhisattva Jogyo. The sutra states, "After I have passed into extinction, one must accept and uphold this sutra. Such a person, with respect to the Buddha Way, is assured, and there can be no doubt."

You, too, are surely assisting Bodhisattva Jogyo's efforts of propagation.

Nichiren

The third day of the twelfth month in the second year of Kan (1279), cyclical sign tsuchinoto-u.