Reply to Lord Matsuno
- Matsuno-dono Gohenji -
I have received one kan of coins, one sho of oil, a robe and ten writing brushes. I cannot adequately express
my appreciation for the sincerity that you have always shown me, so I will leave it to the Lotus Sutra and Shakyamuni Buddha
to praise you.
Just as I have said before, as a layman, you should singlemindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and
evening, day and night, and then witness the results at the last moment of your life. [At that time,] hasten up the mountain
of wondrous enlightenment and look around you in all directions. You will see that the entire universe is the Land of Tranquil
Light. The ground will be of lapis lazuli, and the eight paths will be set apart by golden ropes. Four kinds of flowers will
rain down from the heavens, and music will resound in the air. All Buddhas and bodhisattvas will be present, caressed by the
breezes of eternity, happiness, true self and purity. We, too, will surely count ourselves among their number. The Lotus Sutra
is indeed this splendid!
As I am in a hurry, I cannot go into details.
With my deep respect,
Nichiren
The ninth day of the ninth month in the third year of Kenji (1277), cyclical sign hinoto-ushi
Postscript: Would you be so kind as to send about ten ryo of seeds from the mokurenju tree?
