Exile of the Holy Buddhist leader Nichiren in Japan and his representation in Art


Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Nichiren (1222-1282) was born during a very unstable period in Japan because of internal political convulsions, the devastation of nature, and many Japanese individuals believed that the world was entering a bleak period based on growing backwardness. Debates took place on the Latter Day of the Law and according to Nichiren, this sad reality was based on the false Buddhist schools of his time. Therefore, the thirteenth century in Japan had feelings of foreboding and questioning the status quo (art below by Sawako Utsumi).

According to Nichiren, it was best to suffer pain and sorrow rather than abuse the settings of power and influence based on false teaching. He said, “It is better to be a leper who chants Nam-myōhō-renge-kyō than be a chief abbot of the Tendai school.”

Buddhists who follow the teachings of Nichiren (art above by Sawako Utsumi) believe in ten basic principles that are instrumental to human nature. It isn’t important to stress all these principles but instead relate several tenets to the harsh exile of Nichiren to Sado Island.

Of major significance is the negative reality of animal nature based on people preying on individuals who are weaker. On a higher level, political control, war, abuse of power at various levels, and other areas related to power concentration and control. Therefore, the second exile of Nichiren, just like the failed execution of this Buddhist holy man, was based on this sinister reality.


The traits above all equally apply to the basic principles laid down within the Nichiren tenets, in relation to absorption, learning, tranquility, and Buddhahood. Indeed, the second art piece highlighted by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) shows Nichiren in deep contemplation. In this image, he hungers for nothing despite the harshness of his reality and this is the beauty of this Buddhist holy man (art below by Sawako Utsumi).

Overall, many amazing attributes and mysteries apply to Nichiren. After all, he escaped a brutal execution where so many others fell before him. This reality is based on the realms of nature but hidden within the mystery of life. Similarly, Nichiren predicted the Mongol invasion and challenged all and sundry where others would fear.


Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit



http://fineartamerica.com/featured/exiled-buddhist-cleric-nichiren-in-the-snow-sawako-utsumi.html – Exiled Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in the Snow

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-cleric-nichiren-in-exile-and-homage-to-yoshitoshi-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in Exile and Homage to Yoshitoshi

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-cleric-nichiren-and-bleak-winter-in-exile-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Cleric Nichiren and Bleak Winter in Exile


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Some Japanese art and cultural articles by Modern Tokyo Times are republished based on the need to inform our growing international readership about the unique traits of Japan.

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