Through the benefits of that stupa, one’s deceased parents, too, illuminate the pure land, just like the sun and moon in the heavens. A filial individual [who erects a stupa], his wife, and their children will extend their lifespan to 120 years in this lifetime, and after death, they all will be together with their deceased parents in the pure land of Eagle Peak. When the water is clear, the moon will be reflected on its surface. When a drum is beaten, the sound will resonate. You should consider the benefit of a stupa in this way. When you erect stupas in the future, they should bear the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra.

(Gosho, p. 1434)

Background of “Letter to Nakaoki nyudo”:

This Gosho is a letter written at Minobu, on the 30th day of the 11th month of the second year of Ko’an (1279), when Nichiren Daishonin was 58 years of age. It was addressed to Nakaoki- nyudo and his wife who resided in Sado. Nakaoki-nyudo’s father, Jiro-nyudo, was an elder of Sado Island and commanded the respect of the inhabitants at the time when the Daishonin was exiled there. Jiro-nyudo and his entire family embraced the Daishonin’s teachings and supported him. Even after the Daishonin moved to Minobu, they sincerely devoted themselves to protecting and supporting him, such as by sending him Gokuyo offerings.

The Daishonin begins this Gosho by praising Nakaoki-nyudo and his wife for their sincere kindness and reports that he received the kan of gamoku coins sent to him by the couple and that he offered them to the altar. Next, he states that, while Buddhism entered Japan during the time of Emperor Kinmei and then prospered under Prince Shotoku, by his [the Daishonin’s] lifetime, all the people were following the trend of the Nembutsu faith. He says that, since he censured their mistake and propagated Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, he encountered numerous persecutions.

The Daishonin explains the course of events that led to the Tatsunokuchi Persecution and his exile to Sado. Furthermore, he states that, when the official notification from the Mongols arrived in Japan and his prediction came true, the monks of the different sects conspired with one another and planned to kill him. In addition, he says that those who despise and persecute the votary of the Lotus Sutra will naturally lose the protection of the guardian deities and receive severe karmic consequences.

Finally, the Daishonin praises the couple for thoroughly following in the footsteps of their father in their faith and in the tradition of sending Gokuyo offerings. He also praises them for erecting a toba memorial with the Daimoku inscribed on it, on the occasion of the thirteenth anniversary of the passing of their infant daughter. He concludes this letter by stating that they will receive infinite benefits for their deeds, and he encourages them to continue to erect toba memorials in the future.

Explanation of the Major Terms:

• Stupa (Sotoba): This is a Sanskrit word, transliterated as “stupa” and meaning “pagoda.” It is written as “sotoba” in Japanese. In modern times, it is a wooden toba tablet on which theDaimoku and a person’s Buddhist name or given name are written, as a memorial for the repose of the deceased.
• Pure land (Jodo): A pure and pristine land A tranquil and unsullied realm where the Buddha resides.
• Extend their lifespan to 120 years: “One hundred twenty” symbolizes the karmic fortune of longevity.
• Pure land of Eagle Peak: Eagle Peak (Skt. Gridhrakuta) refers to the mountain where Shakyamuni expounded the Lotus Sutra. By extension, it refers to the pure and pristine location where the Buddha is always present and expounds the Law. The Land of Eternally Tranquil Light (jo-jakkodo).