Robin Beck

Distribution of the Mementos?

The Succession Issue Controversy

A Comparison and Contrast of the "Go-ibutsu-haibun-cho" {"Distribution of the Mementos"} with the "Go-yui-gon" {"Nichiren's Last Will & Testament"}.

The "Distribution of the Mementos" is often cited to defend Nissho & Nichiro against the charges that they over-ruled Nichiren's Last Will, by removing items from Nichiren's grave site at Minobu. The Shuso Gosenge Kiroku, by Nikko, and kept at Nishiyama Honmon-ji, definitely contradicts & discredits the Minobu & Ikegami Transfer Documents. But it, the Kiroku, also contradicts & discredits the "Distribution of the Mementos."

General Conditions after the Death of St. Nichiren Part One... offers a Kempon Hokke-Jumonryu perspective. I am not starting a "Lamont Lied" campaign. And I e-mailed the contact from that web site. But the information from that page has caused confusion. He quotes the Shuso Gosenge Kiroku accurately in regard to:

* Naming of 6 overall successors, ranked by seniority.
* No Rank at Minobu -- 6 equal Elders on a rotation system.
* The funeral procession.

All of this contradicts Taisekiji claims, and discredits the Minobu & Ikegami Transfer Documents. Then he comes to the Will, and he omits the actual Testament from the Shuso Gosenge Kiroku. Instead of the actual Will from the Kiroku, the article cites the "Distribution of the Mementos" This is NOT part of the Shuso Gosenge Kiroku.

The "Distribution of the Mementos" is the "Go-ibutsu-haibun-cho"
(御遺物配分帳) kept at Ikegami Hommonji.

御 = go = Honorable
遺物 = ibutsu = momento
配分 = haibun = distribution
帳 = cho = notes

He quotes it as stating:

"The Lotus Sutra, (with notes in Nichiren's own hand), one set to Ben-ajari (Nissho) (This annotated Lotus Sutra is called the "Chu Hokekyo")."

"Object of Worship, one figure, a statue of Shakyamuni, to Daikoku-ajari (Nichiro) One horse and one cloak to Sado-ko (Niko)"

This contradicts the highly esteemed Shuso Gosenge Kiroku, "Record of the Passing of the Founder", by Nikko Shonin. The Kiroku is a true "T" original preserved at Nishiyama, and includes the signatures & seals of Nissho, Nichiro, Nichiji and Niko. The last paragraph of the Kiroku is the "Last Will of Nichiren" (Go-yui-gon). This is where it states that the Statue and Annotated Hokkekyo are to be placed at the Grave Site. Here are 3 translations of the actual Testament from the Shuso Gosenge Kiroku:
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"The standing statue of Shakyamuni Buddha must be set up by the side of the grave. ‘The Annotation of the Lotus Sutra,’ my personal collection of the sutra with the most essential quotations, must be kept in the mausoleum, and the six disciples must check this in their turn. Other sacred teachings are not necessarily kept this way.” In accord with his last will, I record the above. The 16th day of the 10th month of 5th year of Ko’an {October 16 1282}
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"Shakya standing statue grave beside must [be] placed. My collection [of] most essential writings namely [the] explanatory notes [to the] Hokkekyou [put in] same basket [and] place [them in] mausoleum. Six persons fragrant flower take turns."
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"The Honorable testament dictates: Of the Buddha; the standing statue of Shakya, must be placed beside [My] grave. Of the Sutra; My most essential writings, namely, the explanatory notes to the Hokkekyo, [Chu Hokekyo] are to be placed together, in the mausoleum. The six [equally ranked] disciples, at the time of their watch, must read these. Other sacred teachings are not restricted in this manner. In accord with [His] last will, it is wholly recorded as above. The fifth year of Koan, the tenth month, the sixteenth day." -- Recorder, Nikko.
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Also, according to a Nichiren Shu organization, Nichiren Buddhism Modern Religious Institute:

[Translation by Eddy]: "In Heisei 4 [1992], November, the Gosenge Kiroku (in the archives of Nishiyama Hommonji) that was written by Nikko, was designated an important national property, and its [contents] made open to the public. Its contents are indeed valuable information with regards to the funeral arrangements of that time, especially the matter concerning rotation duty. It is written in Koan 5 [1282] Oct 16. Towards the end of the document, there is [Nichiren's] Last Will which mentions: "the standing statue of Shakya, is to be set up beside the grave." (end of translation)."
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This supports Nikko's claim, and the Taisekiji & SGI position, that Nissho & Nichiro violated the will, by removing the annotated Scrolls & Statue. Nichiren Shu also officially agrees. This refutes the Kempon Hokke-Jumonryu's implied position that Nikko & Nichiro received these items in the Will, and that Nikko was jealous about this.

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My kudos & gratitude to Eddy Chai.
Also many thanks to Kazuo.

See Also:
Mettawaves from Robin's Nest August 30, 2005
The Distribution of the Mementoes/Responses to Hirahara

Posted by rbeck at November 13, 2005 09:07 AM