Nikkō Shonin
| Nikko Shonin (日興) | |
|---|---|
Nikko Shonin in his grey robes
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| Religion | Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism |
| School | Hokke Buddhism |
| Education | Shijuku-in Temple in Fujikawa, Iwabuchi, Shizuoka Jissoji Temple in Iwamoto, Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Dharma names | Hawaki-bo Byakuren Ajari |
| Personal | |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Born | 8 March 1246 Kajikazawa, Kai Province, Japan |
| Died | February 7, 1333 (aged 86) Suruga province, Japan |
| Parents | Oi-no Kitsuroku Myofuku Tsunashima |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Japan |
| Title | Byakuren Ajari Nikko Shonin |
| Predecessor | Nichiren Daishonin |
| Successor | Nichimoku Shonin |
| Rank | Second High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu |
Nikko Shonin (日興 Buddhist name: Hawaki-bō Byakuren Ajari Nikkō 伯耆房白蓮阿闍梨日興) (Born: 8 March 1246 — Died: 7 February 1333) was a senior disciple of Nichiren and was the former chief priest of Kuon-ji temple in Mount Minobu, Japan. As one of the six senior disciples of Nichiren, he then became the founder of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism within the Mount Fuji vicinity. Nikkō is prominently known for enshrining the venerated Dai-Gohonzon mandala as well as inscribing the Ogazawari Gohonzon inside the Dai Kyakuden Hall where the Ushitora Gongyo is performed daily by the Nichiren Shoshu High Priest.
According to the doctrines of the Nichiren Shoshu school, Nikkō singularly upheld the doctrine that Nichiren was the True and Eternal Buddha in the Latter Age of the Law (Mappo) and therefore is the sole legitimate successor to the ministry and legacy of Nichiren. His official crest used today is the tortoise shell, a popular symbol of longevity. Nikkō is also known for his notable handiwork of keeping meticulous temple records during his lifetime, along with a sternful keeping of a highly organized religious practice, much of recorded research that survives today in both Nichiren Shu and Nichiren Shoshu repositories.
Two disputed graves are attributed to Nikkō Shonin, one graveyard is located inside the Taisekiji complex, while another is located in Omosu, in Suruga Province where according to pious legends, he established a Buddhist seminary, later defecting to the Nichiren Shu religion. The Koshi-E memorial feast of his death anniversary is commemorated on February 7.
Nikkō was born at Kajikazawa in Koma District of Kai Province. His father, Oi-no Kitsuroku was from Totumi province and later moved to Kai province while maintaining his samurai career. Nikkō's mother was Myofuku Tsunashima (Neé Yui) and was from the Shizuoka prefecture. He died when Nikkō was a child. He was raised by his grandfather, Nyudo Yui. As a child, he entered the Tendai temple Shijuku-in, in Fujiwakabacho, Iwabuchi. He took the acolyte name, "Hokibo" and received his education here, which as well as Tendai doctrine, included Chinese classics, Japanese literature, poetry, calligraphy, as well as other subjects.
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