2 July 1280 (Age: 59)
I was most delighted to see you on the fifteenth day of the sixth month.
I am grateful to you for providing housing for the Shinto priests and other followers up to now. Since, in their hearts, the authorities harbor a grudge against the Lotus Sutra, they are taking every opportunity to bring forth accusations. This is the reason they are taking advantage of the Atsuhara incident to persecute us wherever they can. Nevertheless, if we challenge their false accusations, we will appear to lack good judgment. So if it becomes too difficult for you to hide the Shinto priests and the others at your estate, please tell them to come to my residence for a while.
It is unlikely that their wives and children will be subjected to interrogation even if they continue to stay there. You should probably keep them with you until this matter subsides.
There is much suffering within our society regardless of one’s position. Therefore, individuals who lack power within society look up to those with power which is analogous to pheasants being envious of hawks or people who live in the World of Hunger delighting in Bishamon. The hawk, however, could fall prey to the eagle, while Bishamon is vulnerable to attack from Ashura.
The rulers of Japan had been enjoying themselves, but when they heard that the Mongols were coming, they became like little lambs frightened by the growl of a tiger.
And for those going to Tsukushi [to fight the Mongols], parting from their beloved wives, never to see their children again, must be like having their skin torn off and their flesh ripped open. What is more, if the Mongol soldiers invade Japan, the authorities of this country will be forced to accept the inevitability of their own deaths, like frogs, helpless before a snake’s open mouth or carp placed on the chef’s cutting board. Putting aside the consequences the authorities will receive in this life, when they die, they will fall into 136 kinds of hell and suffer for an infinite number of kalpas.
We, who have taken faith in the Lotus Sutra, however, are like fish who, having had a difficult time surviving in a shallow stream, now rejoice to see the heavens becoming cloudy and rain starting to fall. Even if you must endure some hardship for a while, your future happiness is assured. This is as evident as a king’s only son succeeding to the throne.
With my deepest respect,
The second day of the seventh month, third year of Koan Nichiren
Reply to Lord Ueno
The contents of this letter should be kept confidential and communicated only to those concerned.
