A Letter to Monk Sairenbō

All my disciples and followers, considering the relationship among themselves to be the relationship between fish and water, should recite “Namu Myoho Renge-kyo” in one mind. This is the “blood” succession of the most important matter in our life and death. After all, this is what I, Nichiren, am trying to spread. If this is done, my great wish of disseminating the Lotus Sutra will be accomplished. Moreover, if there is anyone among Nichiren’s disciples who does not agree with others, he is like a defender of a castle who is breaking it from the inside.

(Explanatory note)

When all the disciples and followers of Nichiren Shonin discard individualistic egoism, believe in the inseparable relationship among themselves like the relationship between fish and water, and recite “Namu Myoho Renge-kyo” in one heart, there is the direct succession of the most important matter in our life and death, that is, faith directly related to the Eternal Buddha. After all, what Nichiren Shonin was trying to spread at the risk of his life was for the purpose of making all human beings know that they were directly related to the Eternal Buddha. If members of the Nichiren Sect unite themselves as members of a religiously blood-related one family, there is no doubt that Nichiren Shonin’s great wish of spreading the Lotus Sutra throughout the world will be achieved. If there is anyone among the followers of Nichiren Shonin who breaks this unity, he is like a traitor among the defenders of a castle who secretly helps the enemy to destroy the castle.