045 Reply to Kyō’ō
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Description
This brief letter was written in the eighth month of the tenth year of Bun’ei (1273) and was addressed to Kyō’ō, Shijō Kingo’s infant daughter. Since Kyō’ō was then only one year old, however, it may be assumed that the letter was meant for Shijō Kingo and his wife, Nichigen-nyo. They had two children, Kyō’ō (Sutra King) and another daughter, Tsukimaro (Full Moon), who was a year older. Both were apparently named by Nichiren Daishonin. This letter was written in response to news that Kyō’ō had become seriously ill. At this time the Daishonin was living in exile on Sado Island. The Daishonin explains the significance of the Gohonzon, the object of devotion. At the Tatsunokuchi Persecution in 1271, the Daishonin revealed his identity as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. Only after this did he begin to inscribe the Gohonzon and bestow it on his followers, particularly those who had staunch faith in his teachings. In this letter, the Daishonin says that the boundless benefits of the Gohonzon will surely cure Kyō’ō’s sickness and urges Kingo and his wife to believe firmly in the Gohonzon. https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/45
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