The Daishonin advised young Tokimitsu that ”if rumor spreads that he appears to be a votary of the Lotus Sutra, both those close to him and those who are not will unexpectedly admonish you as if they were your true friends saying “If you believe in the Priest Nichiren, you surely be mislead”

Nichiren Daishonin tells of Sho-bo, Noto-bo and the lay num of Nagoe who were once Nichiren's disciples who the Daishonin describes as “Greedy, cowardly and foolish passed themselves off as wise persons, but when persecutions came upon Nichiren they took advantage of the circumstances and convinced others to drop out”.

The Daishonin gives other advice “that he makes it a rule not to let others join unless they remain steadfast in their resolve”. Nichiren Daishonin advises young Tokimitsu “If your faith is firm, then you should single-mindedly resolve : “I maintain faith not for the sake of other people but for the benefit of my deceased father. Others will not perform memorial services for him; because I am his son, I am the one who must pray for his repose. I govern one village. I will spend one half of my revenue making offerings for the sake of my deceased father, and use the other half to feed my wife, children, and clansmen. Should an emergency arise, I will give my life for my Lord”.

The one thing that delineates Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism from Christianity is the respect that Nichiren Shoshu gives to deceased relatives. In many of Nichiren Daishonin's Goshos he praise his disciples for praying for their deceased relatives. One Gosho I just learned of is called “On Consecrating an Image of Shakyamuni Buddha Made by Shijo Kinjo” page 683 major writings of. Nichiren Daishonin lets us know in this Gosho how important our deceased ancestors are and we must pray and dedicate ourselves to our deceased.

Africans have always and still today pay homage to their deceased. In Africa there is an important ceremony called “Libation” for the deceased. In your studies please read about Libation and homage to your ancestors. Nichiren Daishonin and Nichiren Shoshu really, really stress the point of homage to our deceased. In this Gosho Nichiren Daishonin writes to young Tokimitsu “When those of rank reproach you for your faith, think of them as worthy adversaries of the Lotus Sutra. Consider it an opportunity as rare as the blossoming of the udumbara plant, or the blind turtle encountering a floating encountering a floating sandalwood log, and reply to them firmly and resolutely.” T o them as the Daishonin advised to Nanjo Tokimitsu. On this Gosho we are lecturing about, we reply to them firmly and resolutely as the Daishonin advises.

The Daishonin also explain to young Tokimitsu in this Gosho “Shamelessly pretending friendship, they will try to maneuver you into recanting with the intention of later laughing at you and letting others ridicule you as well. Let them say all they have to say. Then tell them, Instead of advising me in the presence of many people, why don't you admonish yourselves first? With this remark, abruptly rise from your seat and depart.” Nichiren Daishonin puts it so eloquently “Why don't you admonish yourselves first? With this remark abruptly rise from your seat and depart”. With Nichiren Daishonin's eloquent advice “I will abruptly rise from my seat and depart from this Gosho Lecture!!!

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