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Record of the Orally Transmitted
Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin
- Ongi Kuden -

[Regarding the title of this chapter] 'Encouraging' is to practice for others, whereas 'devotion' means to practice for oneself. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is a practice for both oneself and others. Nichiren and his disciples are now 'encouraging' others in their 'devotion' to Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. (Gosho Zenshu p.747)

The sutra states, "Thought they treat us with contempt, saying 'You are all no doubt Buddhas!' All such words of arrogance and contempt we will endure and accept." (LS p. 194, 3LS p. 219)

This passage means that they despise us, the votaries of the Lotus Sutra, saying that we are living Buddhas. These are words of slander arising from contempt. (Gosho Zenshu p. 749)

The sutra states, "In a muddied kalpa, in an evil age, evil demons will take possession of others." (LS p. 194, 3LS p. 219)

'Demons' rob people of life-force. Therefore, they are called robbers of benefit [mara]. (Gosho Zenshu p. 749)

The sutra states, "In order to preach this sutra we will bear these difficult things. We care nothing for our bodies or lives, but are anxious only for the unsurpassed way." (LS p. 194, 3LS p. 219)

According to the orally transmitted teachings, the unsurpassed way is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Now, Nichiren and his disciples value Nam Myoho Renge Kyo more than life itself. Therefore, this [Kanji] Chapter concludes with 'the Buddha must know what is in our hearts.' The Lord Shakyamuni Buddha must know the hearts of the votaries of the Lotus Sutra. (Gosho Zenshu p. 749)

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