The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One’s Passing
Background
Written To
Toki Jōnin, a leading disciple and samurai who lived in Shimōsa Province, known for his strong faith and scholarly interests
When
April 1273, during Nichiren's exile on Sado Island - one of the harshest periods of his life
Why It Was Written
This was written as Nichiren's most important doctrinal work, meant only for those with strong faith. It followed 'The Opening of the Eyes' and completed his explanation of both the Person (Buddha) and the Law (Gohonzon) for the Latter Day
Significance
This writing establishes the Gohonzon as the supreme object of devotion for people in the Latter Day of the Law, explaining that ordinary people can achieve Buddhahood through faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
Key Passages
"When we look from time to time at a person's face, we find him or her sometimes joyful, sometimes enraged, and sometimes calm. At times greed appears in the person's face, at times foolishness, and at times perversity. Rage is the world of hell, greed is that of hungry spirits, foolishness is that of animals, perversity is that of asuras, joy is that of heaven, and calmness is that of human beings."
Nichiren is explaining that we can actually see the Ten Worlds (different life conditions) in people's faces and expressions. This isn't abstract philosophy - it's observable reality. Every person contains all ten potential life states, from the lowest (hell) to the highest (Buddhahood), and we can witness these states manifesting in daily life.
"Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was."
This is revolutionary - Nichiren is saying that everything Shakyamuni Buddha achieved through countless lifetimes of practice is contained in the simple act of believing in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Ordinary people don't need to undergo the same arduous practices; they can access the same enlightened state through faith in this Law.
"The treasure tower sits in the air above the sahā world that the Buddha of the essential teaching identified as the pure and eternal land; Myoho-renge-kyo appears in the center of the tower with the Buddhas Shakyamuni and Many Treasures seated to the right and left, and, flanking them, the four bodhisattvas, followers of Shakyamuni, led by Superior Practices."
Nichiren is describing the Gohonzon - the object of devotion he established. This isn't just a religious scroll; it's a representation of the ceremony in the Lotus Sutra where the eternal Law was revealed. When we chant to the Gohonzon, we're connecting with this eternal ceremony and the fundamental Law of the universe.
"Nevertheless, I will try to explain. After all, some could not attain enlightenment through the direct teaching of the Buddha, but were able to do so later through the preaching of Ānanda and other disciples."
Even when people find Buddhist concepts difficult to believe, Nichiren shows compassion and continues teaching. He recognizes that not everyone can immediately grasp these profound truths, just as some people in the Buddha's time needed additional explanation from disciples rather than the Buddha himself.
"That ordinary people born in the latter age can believe in the Lotus Sutra is due to the fact that the world of Buddhahood is present in the human world."
This is the heart of Nichiren's optimism about human potential. Even in our current age - which Buddhism considers spiritually degenerate - ordinary people can believe in and practice the highest teaching because they inherently possess Buddha nature. Our ability to have faith proves we have Buddhahood within us.
How This Applies to Your Life Today
In today's world, this teaching offers a practical approach to personal transformation that doesn't require retreating from daily life. Whether you're facing stress at work, relationship challenges, health issues, or financial difficulties, the principle is that you have an inner resource - your Buddha nature - that can help you handle any situation with wisdom, courage, and compassion. Instead of feeling victimized by circumstances or waiting for external conditions to improve, you can actively work to change your life condition from within.
For example, if you're dealing with a difficult boss, rather than just complaining or feeling trapped, you could chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to tap into wisdom about how to handle the situation constructively, courage to take appropriate action, and compassion to understand the other person's perspective. If you're struggling with a health challenge, instead of just relying on medical treatment alone, you could use this practice to strengthen your life force, maintain hope, and find meaning in your struggle. The key is understanding that your external circumstances are connected to your internal life condition, and by elevating your life condition, you can influence your environment.
Read the Full Writing
This is a simplified explanation. For the complete text, visit the Nichiren Library.
Read Full Text on Nichiren Library →