The Opening of the Eyes
Background
Written To
Shijō Kingo, a samurai and leading disciple who witnessed Nichiren's persecution at Tatsunokuchi and journeyed to visit him in exile
When
February 1272, during Nichiren's harsh exile on Sado Island under brutal winter conditions
Why It Was Written
Written as what Nichiren considered might be his last testament, after many followers had abandoned their faith following his near-execution. He was facing constant threat of death and wanted to encourage his disciples while revealing his true identity
Significance
One of Nichiren's five most important writings, where he reveals his identity as the Buddha of the Latter Day and establishes himself as possessing the three virtues of sovereign, teacher, and parent for all humanity
Key Passages
"On the twelfth day of the ninth month of last year, between the hours of the rat and the ox, this person named Nichiren was beheaded. It is his soul that has come to this island of Sado."
Nichiren is saying that through surviving his near-execution at Tatsunokuchi, his ordinary human identity 'died' and he was reborn as the Buddha of the Latter Day. This wasn't literal death, but a spiritual transformation where he fully realized and began revealing his true mission as the Buddha who would save all humanity through Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
"I, Nichiren, am sovereign, teacher, and father and mother to all the people of Japan."
Nichiren declares he possesses the three essential qualities of a Buddha. As sovereign, he has the power to protect people; as teacher, the wisdom to guide them to enlightenment; as parent, the compassion to nurture and care for them unconditionally. He's not claiming political power, but spiritual authority to lead people to happiness through the Lotus Sutra.
"Let the gods forsake me. Let all persecutions assail me. Still I will give my life for the sake of the Law... I will be the pillar of Japan. I will be the eyes of Japan. I will be the great ship of Japan."
Even if he faces complete abandonment and continued persecution, Nichiren vows to never give up his mission to spread the Lotus Sutra. He sees himself as Japan's foundation (pillar), its source of wisdom and vision (eyes), and its means of salvation (great ship). This shows his unwavering commitment despite all obstacles.
"The Lotus Sutra alone represents the correct teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, the truthful words of the Buddhas of the three existences and the ten directions."
Nichiren establishes that among all Buddhist teachings, only the Lotus Sutra reveals the complete truth. While other sutras contain partial truths or were taught as stepping stones, the Lotus Sutra is the Buddha's final and complete teaching that enables all people to achieve Buddhahood, regardless of their capacity or circumstances.
"The doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life is found in only one place, hidden in the depths of the 'Life Span' chapter of the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra."
This refers to the principle that each moment of life contains all possible states of existence - from hell to Buddhahood. This teaching reveals that enlightenment isn't something distant to achieve, but exists within every person right now. It's the theoretical foundation for why chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can instantly connect us to our Buddha nature.
How This Applies to Your Life Today
In our daily lives, this teaching encourages us to look beyond surface appearances to recognize true value. Just as people couldn't see Nichiren's true significance because of his persecution, we might dismiss opportunities for growth because they come wrapped in difficulty. A challenging job, a difficult relationship, or a health crisis might actually be the exact catalyst we need for our human revolution. The principle is to maintain faith that our Buddha nature can triumph over any circumstance.
Practically, this means when we face opposition for doing what we believe is right - whether standing up against workplace injustice, choosing an unconventional but meaningful career path, or maintaining our values despite social pressure - we can draw strength from Nichiren's example. His willingness to endure persecution for the sake of truth shows us that temporary suffering often accompanies meaningful change. We don't need to seek out suffering, but we can view the inevitable challenges of principled living as proof we're on the right path rather than signs to give up.
Read the Full Writing
This is a simplified explanation. For the complete text, visit the Nichiren Library.
Read Full Text on Nichiren Library →