The Correct Teaching for Peace of the Land

From 1256 to 1257 Japan was facing some of the worst natural disasters and epidemics in its history.  Like most politicians, religious leaders and scholars across Japan, Nichiren was concerned and wanted to find a solution to the problem, and he believed the answers would be found in the Buddhist scriptures. 

At the beginning of 1258, Nichiren went to Jisso-ji temple (a Tendai temple with an extensive library of sutra) and embarked on 18 months of research, during which more and more disasters and epidemics continued to batter Japan and Kamakura.   Nichiren realized, based on his findings in the Buddha’s teachings, that these disasters were a result of the nation turning their back on the correct school of Buddhism and he wrote a treatise in the form of a dialogue between a host (Nichiren) and a guest (Hōjō Tokiyori) about the causes of Japan’s troubles, his predictions of what events would occur next and the way to put an end to this series of disasters and overcome them.

On 16^th July 1260 he submitted this treaty “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”  (“Rissho Ankoku-Ron”) to Hōjō Tokiyori, one of the most influential men in Japan at that time.

It’s important to remember that these were disasters of biblical proportions and one of the key historical sources that attest to their intensity is the fact that the era name changed so many times during this period.  Traditionally the name of an era only changes with the accession of a new emperor, but it will also be changed to try and change the “bad luck” of a period as well.  The fact that some eras only lasted a year, shows just how extreme these conditions were and how devastating the rulers of Japan believed they were as well.

Below is a table showing the key disasters and events in Nichiren’s life, during these FOUR eras that Emperor Go-Fukakusa presided over, and the THREE eras his successor Emperor Kameyama presided over. 

Emperor Go-Fukakusa (1246–1260)	KENCHO ERA Mar. 1249 – Oct. 1256	On 28th April 1253, Nichiren Daishonin established his teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.  Due to risks on his life and for propagation, he moved to a small cottage in Kamakura. 1252-54  was a time of great prosperity in Kamakura and as well as many new temples being built, the Great Buddha statue in honour of Amida Buddha of the Pure Land School was completed at Kamakura. On 6th August 1256, torrential rainstorms caused floods and landslides, destroying crops and devastating Kamakura, and in Sept. 1256, an epidemic claimed many lives in the city.
	KOGEN ERA Oct. 1256 - Mar. 1257	Just before the start of this new era on September 1st, the leading politician in Kamakura – the 4th Shogun Kujo Yoritsune (also known as Fujiwara Yoritsune) - died at the age of 39.  Six weeks later on October 14th his son and successor (now the 5th Shogun) also died at the age of 18.
	SHOKA ERA Mar. 1257 - Mar. 1259	Many violent earthquakes hit Kamakura in May and November of 1257, including one of the biggest ever to hit the city on 23rd August.  There was also a severe drought in June and July. At the beginning of 1258 Nichiren went to Jissō-ji temple and began research to find a solution to the disasters facing Japan.  1258 was no better, and August saw storms destroying crops across the country and floods in Kamakura that killed many people.  Heavy rain in October led to more floods in the city.
	SHOGEN ERA Mar. 1259 - Apr. 1260	1259 saw epidemics and famine throughout Japan and yet another violent storm that wiped out that year’s crops. In 1259 Nichiren writes “On the Protection of the Nation” and in early 1260 “The Causes of Misfortunes” which are seen as preparatory treatises on the nation’s ongoing disasters.
Emperor Kameyama (1260–1274)	BUNNO ERA Apr. 1260 - Feb. 1261	More crop failures in 1260 bring widespread starvation and in June all temples are ordered to pray for an end to epidemics. 16th July 1260 Nichiren submits “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land” to Hōjō Tokiyori Annoyed by his findings, on 27th August 1260, Nembutsu believers attack Nichiren’s home but he escapes unharmed. Piracy was also increasing and becoming a serious problem.
	KOCHO ERA Feb. 1261 - Feb. 1264	Nichiren returned to Kamakura in Spring 1261, but after a serious of unfounded charges of defamation, the government sentenced him to exile on Izu on May 12th.  In February 1263 he was pardoned and returned to Kamakura. The Kamakura Rebellion saw many conflicts in 1263 which included Imperial Prince Munetaka - the 6th Kamakura Shogun – being deposed and replaced by his 2 year old son!!!
	BUNNEI ERA Feb. 1264 - Apr. 1275	On 11th November 1264 Nichiren was attacked by sword and stave at Komatsubara. In January 1268 the Mongols sent a letter threatening invasion of Japan.  When this was ignored an attack was made on the island of Tsushima (1269) and more envoys were sent in 1271 In 1268,  Nichiren returned to Kamikura and wrote to religious and political leaders calling for a debate on Buddhist teachings now that his predictions regarding civil war and invasion were coming true. Late spring and early summer of 1271 saw another drought, during the rainy season, with the threat of more failed crops.  The government asked Ryokan, a priest of the True-Word Precepts School to pray for rain, and he promised it would rain within a week.  When it didn’t, Nichiren promised to become a disciple of Ryokan if Ryokan could make it rain within the next seven days.  This event led to false allegations against him, his near execution on Tatsunokuchi Beach (12th Sept. 1271) and his subsequent exile to Sado Island from October 1271. There was a civil war in Feb. 1272 and another in Feb. 1274 involving the Regent of Kamikura and his brother.  Also in Feb. 1274, the Regent gave Nichiren permission to leave Sado Island, and Hei no Saemon wanted to see him to learn more about predictions for a Mongol invasion.  The government wanted Nichiren to pray for Japan, but they still refused to listen to his solution of embracing the Buddhism of the Lotus Sutra, so in accordance with the Chinese custom of being rejected three times, Nichiren retired to Mount Minobu, where he continued to write, lecture and encourage his disciples. Nine months later (19 Nov, 1274) the Mongol forces landed at Hakata Bay near Fukuoka.  After some armed skirmishes and looting, the invaders withdrew to spend the night on their ships.  That night, a storm sank several ships, and the fleet retreated to Korea.   (The Mongols would return again in May 1281)