Gosho Reading (Nichiren Buddhism) · The Ignorant Trio

101 The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

July 12, 2023·12 min·1 clip

Nichiren unveils the Gohonzon as a mandala so profound that legendary Buddhist masters like Nagarjuna failed to describe it.

This episode presents a reading of Nichiren's 1277 letter, "The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon," addressed to a devout female follower named Nichinyo. The letter is a foundational text explaining the object of devotion in Nichiren Buddhism. It systematically details the Gohonzon's significance, composition, and the role of faith. Nichiren states this Gohonzon was revealed in the final eight years and eight chapters of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings. He notes that figures like Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Tiantai, and Miao-lo could not express this mandala in the 2,000 years following the Buddha's passing. The mandala depicts Shakyamuni Buddha and Many Treasures Buddha seated in the Treasure Tower, with the five characters of the Lotus Sutra's title at the center. Various beings are arranged around them, including Bodhisattvas of the Earth, voice-hearers like Shariputra, gods, demon kings, and even the evil Devadatta alongside the Dragon King's daughter. Nichiren cites the Lotus Sutra's Treasure Tower chapter, stating all beings from the assembly dwell in this Gohonzon. A key insight is that the Gohonzon embodies the "true aspect of all phenomena," illuminating the inherent dignity of all life states. The letter explains that the Gohonzon exists within the mortal flesh of ordinary people who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Nichiren emphasizes that entrance to this practice is gained "through faith alone," which he calls the basis and "mother of blessings." He uses secular analogies, like the Han Emperor believing a report so deeply a river froze and Li Guang piercing a rock by mistaking it for a tiger, to illustrate faith's power. The practice of chanting is described as encompassing the "Five Practices" for attaining Buddhahood. The tone is doctrinal, reverential, and instructional, directly addressing the recipient with authoritative guidance. The style is a close reading of a religious epistle, blending scriptural citation, symbolic explanation, and pastoral encouragement. This episode is essential for practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism seeking a deeper doctrinal understanding of the Gohonzon's symbolism and the principle of faith. Listeners without an interest in Buddhist theology or this specific tradition may find the content highly specialized.

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