THE PICTORIAL LIFE OF SAINT NICHIREN

Scene 24 The Last Sermon

During the eight years while St. Nichiren was on Mt. Minobu, he wrote many works and taught countless disciples. However, due to the daily persecutions he had suffered up to that time and the severe climate on Mt. Minobu, his health deteriorated. Consequently, on 9/8/1284, he left Mt. Minobu and set out for the mansion of Munenaka Ikagami (located in present day Tokyo).

In a letter dated 9/19/1282 and addressed to Lord Hakii, the Saint noted in part, "Protected by your son I was able to arrive here without incident. For eight years you have provided for me most generously. I remain deeply indebted to you. No matter where I might die, I would like to have my remains buried in Minobu." On the 25th, a new temple in the Ikegami estate was consecrated and St. Nichiren gave his last sermon in its sanctuary.

Scene 25 An Assignment For Kyo-ichi-maro

On October 8^th, 1282, six steward disciples were chosen. On the 10th, there was a distribution of mementos and, on the 11th, thirteen year old Kyoichimaro was summoned. After being briefed on the evangelical mission thus far, the Saint gave him the assignment of spreading the Lotus Teaching to the people in Kyoto and the western regions of Japan. Tutored by Nichiro, he lived up to expectations and is remembered as Nichizô.

On 10/13/1282, while the Saint was chanting the sixteenth Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, he quietly passed into nirvana. At that time, although it was not the season for cherry blossoms, all at once the cherry trees in the garden of Munenaka's mansion began to bloom, majestically marking the Saint's passing. He had been born with blooming lotuses and passed away with the blossoming of cherries.