Nichizō
Nichizō
Pioneer of Nichiren Buddhism in Kyoto
1269-1342 · 享年 73歳
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Three Surprising Facts
Nichison and Nichiren Buddhism's Spread Through Kanto — From Disciple to Bridge Between Ji-shu and Nichiren Schools
Nichison, one of Nichiren's direct disciples, devoted himself to spreading Nichiren Buddhism. He particularly contributed to missionary work in the Kanto and Tokai regions and also had exchanges with Ji-shu (the Time school) founded by the wandering saint Ippen. As one of the Six Elder Monks designated by Nichiren as successors, he played an important role in transmitting the master's teachings to the provinces. He maintained faith through the turmoil of the Northern and Southern Courts period and contributed to building the organizational foundations of Nichiren Buddhism.
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Full Biography
From birth to death
Born in 1269, he was introduced to Nichiren at age seven by Nichirō. To fulfill Nichiren's dying wish of propagating the Lotus Sutra in Kyoto, he completed a hundred-day austerity in Kamakura and resolved to go to the capital in 1293. There he preached at street corners, enduring repeated persecutions and banishments. In 1321 he established Myōkenji, Kyoto's first Nichiren temple, and in 1334 Emperor Go-Daigo granted it the status of an imperial prayer temple. He died in 1342.
Personality
An unyielding propagator devoted to fulfilling Nichiren's dying command. He combined indomitable will — enduring repeated banishments to root the Lotus faith in Kyoto — with eloquence that won the hearts of common people through street preaching.
Historical Significance
He laid the foundation for Nichiren Buddhism in Kyoto. Myōkenji flourished as the only Nichiren imperial prayer temple. His missionary work created the base for the later Hokke Ikki uprising and the distinctive machishū townspeople culture.
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