Robin Beck

Otanjoe: Birth of Nichiren

Nichiren Daishonin was born on 16 February 1222, into a fishing family, at the village of Kominato, in Awa province of Boso Hanto {Boso Peninsula}. Miraculous birth legends are often associated with religious figures, and Nichiren is no exception. Three omens are said to have coincided with the birth of the Shonin (Saint/Sage). The sacred places where these events transpired are now preserved near Kominato Tanjoh- (Nativity) Ji (Temple) as Renge-ga-fuchi (Lotus Bed), Tai-no-ura, (Seabream Bay) and Tanjo-ido (Birth Spring).

Life and legends of Nichiren

See also:
nichirenpix Photo Albums
1.Otanjo-e

npx2 · nichirenpix 2
Photo Albums Birth of Nichiren
In the land of the Rising Sun, the Sun rises first in southeastern Boso Hanto. To the Japanese, the sight of the sun emerging from the sea elicits feelings of sacred or mystic insight. Do you believe in miracles? Three unusual natural phenomenon are said to have coincided with Nichiren’s nativity. A school of taifish surfaced, blue lotus bloomed out of season, and a hot spring appeared. The symbolic meaning of these auspicious events foretell Nichiren’s mission as the Messenger of the Juryo Chapter Great Physician Parable and Bodhisattva Superior Practices (Jogyo). Were these miracles?

Renge-ga-fuchi

In late winter, February of 1222, lotus beds mystically appeared on the beach at Kominato. At dawn on February 16, pure blue or padma lotus flowers bloomed out of season, near the Nukina family’s cottage. This event, and the beach where it occurred, are both known as Renge-ga-fuchi. It is said that Kominato villagers gazed in wonder at this auspicious event.

There are 5 species of Asian water lilies known as Lotus. The lotus flower is a common symbol in Buddhist Art, maybe similar to the Lily in Christian Art. The Lotus grows from deep roots in the murky mud, representing the Moha or Delusion of the conditioned mind, up to the clear sunlight, representing Bodhi or Awakening of the pure, luminous mind.

"Of all the flowers, [the Buddha] selected the lotus blossom to symbolize the Lotus Sutra. ... when one’s hand takes it up, that hand immediately attains Buddhahood, and when one’s mouth chants it, that mouth is itself a Buddha. "--Nichiren Daishonin

The padma, pundarika, renge, or lotus flower is one of the only plants to bear fruit {or seed} and flower simultaneously. This symbolizes the synchronicity of inherent cause (in) and effect (ka), or In-Ga-Gu-Ji. The effects of karma are latent in the causes and arise when conditions are favorable.

Tai-no-ura

In March and April, large schools of Tai move close to Japan’s eastern shores to spawn. The schools of Tai are often caught up in the current, causing swells, or “fish islands” {uojima}. It is said the Tai run of 1222 occurred early at Kominato Bay, in February. On the 16th of February 1222, a large school of Tai rose to the surface at the beach, as if in honor of the advent of a Daishonin or Mahamuni (Great Sage/Saint).

Tai no Ura, or the Bay of Red Sea Breams, has been preserved as a holy ground since the birth of Nichiren, more than 700 years ago. Fishing for sea bream is prohibited there. A local non-migratory population of the Tai species resides in the bay year round. The Red Sea Bream is usually a deep fish that only enters shallow water to spawn.

In Japan, the annual appearance of schools of Tai in bays and lagoons is associated with good fortune. The Red sea bream, called Tai, has long been valued there. It is a favorite food and sport fish throughout the country. The Red Sea Bream is frequently confused with the Red Snapper. The True Tai, Pagrus Major, is a member of the Sparidae family of Porgies.

The kami/angel Ebisu, who is associated with Japanese Buddhism, is often depicted with a seabream. Ebisu is the deity of fishermen and good fortune. He is one of the Seven Lucky Kami or Shichi fuku jin; the only one who originated in Japan.

Tanjo-ido

Nichiren’s father was a fisherman named Mikuni no Tayu Shigetada, Mikuni no Taifu, or Shigetada Nukina Jiro. His mother was called Umegiku-nyo. The family resided in a modest cottage on the beach, at Kominato Bay/Pacific Ocean.

On the eve of the Daishonin’s birth, Umegika-nyo was said to have had a prophetic dream. She was sitting atop Mt. Hiei and was washing her hands in Lake Omi, when a miniature sun, wrapped in the petals of a lotus blossom, entered her womb. She awoke giving birth to their fourth son. In addition to the Mother’s waking dream, both parents had dreams they would recall, at a conspicuous moment, more than 30 years later.

Meanwhile, a hot spring welled up in a garden just outside the cottage. This spring provided just enough hot spring water to give the newborn baby his first bath. The boy was given the childhood name Zennichi-maro (Splendid Sun Child, Boy of the Sun of Goodness, Virtuous Sun Boy, Sun Mind).

Three omens coincided with the birth of the Shonin (Saint/Sage). These sacred places are now preserved near Kominato Tanjoh- (Nativity) Ji (Temple) as Renge-ga-fuchi (Lotus Bed), Tae-no-ura, (Seabream Bay) and Tanjo-ido (Birth Spring). A multi-year study on-going study, in which I am considering Nichiren’s life, in the context of 13th Century Japan, with the aid of images, has clarified my understanding and appreciation of his Bodhisattva mission.

Kominato: Birth Place of Nichiren. Unfortunately, Nichiren was apparently largely unknown to, or ignored by, his own contemporary historians. Because of this; rich traditions, legends, and his own writings, some of which are disputed as to authenticity, are the main sources of biographical material.

Southern Boso (Minami-Boso) is a collective term for the area in southernChiba and the southern Boso-hanto Peninsula. There are many sandy beaches along Tokyo Bay in the west. The Pacific Ocean side in the east of Minami-Boso has rocky beaches, many lagoons, and steep cliffs created by erosion. On February 11, 2005 the former town Amatsukominato from Awa District merged with Kamogawa.

Posted by rbeck at November 28, 2006 12:51 AM
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