Daily Gosho - Reply to Kyo'o

Always inspired by the conviction of Nichiren Daishonin in this Gosho. We recently studied it in our Mother & Baby meeting (Reply to Kyo'o study notes).

Last year, we started a daimoku campaign for a member who was suffering with illness. She made a full recovery, which was obviously fantastic news. The other benefit which came out of those 6am domei daimoku sessions was increased unity in our district, amazingly so. Our daimoku was absolutely determined - "our member must win" - she did...and we did too...

"Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"

(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 412) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=412 Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, October 31st, 2012


Background
This brief letter was written in the eighth month of the tenth year of Bun’ei (1273) and was addressed to Kyo’o, Shijo Kingo’s infant daughter. Since Kyo’o was then only one year old, however, it may be assumed that the letter was meant for Shijo Kingo and his wife, Nichigen-nyo. They had two children, Kyo’o (Sutra King) and another daughter, Tsukimaro (Full Moon), who was a year older. Both were apparently named by Nichiren Daishonin. 
This letter was written in response to news that Kyo’o had become seriously ill. At this time the Daishonin was living in exile on Sado Island.
The Daishonin explains the significance of the Gohonzon, the object of devotion. At the Tatsunokuchi Persecution in 1271, the Daishonin revealed his identity as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. Only after this did he begin to inscribe the Gohonzon and bestow it on his followers, particularly those who had staunch faith in his teachings.
In this letter, the Daishonin says that the boundless benefits of the Gohonzon will surely cure Kyo’o’s sickness and urges Kingo and his wife to believe firmly in the Gohonzon.