Why No Protection from the Heavenly Gods?

Background

Reply [to Toki]

I have no doubt what my final moments will be. When my head is cut off, I will experience a special joy. Having encountered great bandits, I know I will exchange their great poison for a precious jewel.1

IHAVE received the strings of coins in the number that you indicated. I do not know how to thank you for your kindness. As for matters of doctrine, I have discussed them in the work2 that I sent earlier to Shijō Saburō Saemon-no-jō. You should read that work very, very carefully.

If we examine the sutra passages in general, there can be no doubt that I, Nichiren, am a votary of the Lotus Sutra. But now the heavenly gods do not lend me their protection. One reason may be that, because this is an evil country, the heavenly gods and benevolent deities have abandoned it. A second reason may be that, because the benevolent deities cannot taste the flavor of the Law, they have lost their majesty and strength. A third reason may be that great evil demons have entered the hearts of the three powerful enemies, and hence the gods Brahmā andShakra have no power to restrain them. I will write you later to show documentary and theoretical proofs for each of these cases.

But my life from the beginning has been based upon firm conviction. I have no intention now of reversing my course, nor will I ever reproach [those who persecuted me]. Evil persons too will be good friends to me. As to which of the two approaches, shōju or shakubuku, I should adopt, I rely upon the teachings of the Buddha. I would never dare to make an arbitrary decision of my own. All affairs will come to a conclusion in the pure land of Eagle Peak.

With my deep respect,

Nichiren

The tenth day of the fourth month

To Toki

2. The Opening of the Eyes