Nichiren, the Buddhist Prophet

NICHIREN AND HIS TIME

IF JAPAN ever produced a prophet or a religious man of prophetic zeal, Nichiren was the man. He stands almost a unique figure in the history of Buddhism, not alone because of his persistence through hardship and persecution, but for his unshaken conviction that he himself was the messenger of Buddha, and his confidence in the future of his religion and country. Not only one of the most learned men of his time, but most earnest in his prophetic aspirations, he was a strong man, of combative temperament, an eloquent speaker, a powerful writer, and a man of tender heart. He was born in 1222, the son of a fisherman, and died in 1282, a saint and prophet.

His time was a most significant epoch in the history of Japan, in political and social, religious and moral aspects. New energies were at work on every side, and new inspirations were the need of the time. Nichiren passed his Hfe of sixty years in combating the prejudices of the age and in giving warnings to the authorities and the people, not only in reUgious matters but in state affairs. His personality was partly a product of his time, but he Hved both in the past and in the future, being convinced of his predestined message and aspiring for future reaHzation of his ideals.