Timeline of Nichiren Daishonin's Life

1209

The Mongols began expanding their territory by incorporating the Uighurs of Western Central Asia.

1211

United Mongol tribes under Genghis Khan invade the Chin Empire of northern China.

1212

Honen Shonin (1133-1212), founder of the Jodo (Pure Land), dies at the age of 79.

1215

15 July: Eisai Shonin (1141-1215), founder of the Rinzai lineage of the Zen school of Buddhism, dies.

Mongols conquer the Chin and destroy the capital city of Shang-tu, with widespread genocide that continues to 1226, reducing the nation's native population from 50 million to 9 million.

1218

Genghis Khan invades Khwarazm Shah's empire.

1220

Mongols invade Samarkand in Central Asia. Population is slaughtered, only 25% survive the attack.

1221

The Jokyu Disturbance (Retired Emperor Go-Toba attempts to overthrow Shogunate, civil war).

1222

Feb. 16: Zennichi-maro is born to Nukina Shigetada Jiro and Umegiku at Kominato Village in Awa Province.

Ben Ajari Nissho Shonin (originally named Joben) is born in Shimosa Province.

July 23: A major earthquake hits Kamakura, destroys most of the city.
Aug. 2: A comet appears.
Shinran is 50 years old.
Dogen is 23 years old.

Mongols begin an invasion of India, later also conquer Russian feudal lords.

1223

1

May: Emperor Tsuchimikado is exiled to Awa.
May: Dogen, founder of the Soto lineage of the en school of Buddhism goes to China.

1224

2

Jan: Shinran establishes Jodo Shin Sect.
Apr.: Children's measle epidemic.
Aug. 5: The Shogunate outlaws faith in Pure Land Buddhism.
June 28: Hojo Yasutoki (1183-1242) becomes Regent.

1225 1230

3-8

Mar. 7 1226: Great fire throughout Kamakura.
Nov.-Dec. 1226: Nationwide measles epidemic.
Dec. 13 1226: Dogen returns from the Sung Kingdom in China.

1226: Genghis Khan dies, Ogodei, is declared the next Great Khan.

1231

9

February: epidemic spreads

May: The government orders the Dai-Hanya Sutra tobe receited by monks at the Shinto Hachiman Shrine in Kamakura to pray for salvation fom the epidemic.

1232-1236

10-14

1233: Enters Seichoji Temple and name is changed to Yakuo-maro, at age 11.

June 1232: Widespread epidemic

Feb.1233: Epidemic in Kyoto.

Oct1235: Widespread epidemic

1235: Ogodei Khan completes his capital at Karakorum.

1237

15

Ordained a priest and is renamed Zessho-bo Rencho.

1237-1242: Mongol campaigns in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Ippen Shonin, founder of the Ji School of Pure Land Buddhism is born.

1239

17

Departs for Kamakura in the Springtime for a three-year period of study, primarily of the Zen and Pure Land Schools and their doctrines.

1241

19

Feb. 7 and Apr. 3: Earthquakes strike Kamakura.

Mongols overrun Poland and conquer Hungary. Ogodei Khan dies.

1242

20

Returns to Seichoji Temple, composes The Principle of the Entity of Buddhist Precepts Is Equivalent to Attaining Buddhahood. Rencho then departs for a four year sojourn in Kyoto and further study and research under the Master Shunpan. Takes residence with the compounds of Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei.

June 15: Hojo Tsunetoki (1214-1246) becomes Regent.

Dec.: Nationwide coughing epidemic.

Mongol forces are sighted outside of Vienna., Croatia, Dalmatia and sixty miles outside of Venice.

1243

21

Composes the Doctrine of Precepts.

May: Smallpox epidemic in Kyoto

1244

22

Composes Shikishin Niho Sho (The 2 Laws of Enviornment and Body).

Apr. 8 1245: Nichiro Shonin is born in Shimosa Prov.

Apr.: Coughing epidemic, is commonly referred to as the Three-day illness.

1246

24

At age 24, departs Enryakuji Temple for further research throughout the temples in the surrounding provinces.
Visits important Tendai temple of Onjoji at Mitsui and meets Doryu Senyuji Temple in Kyoto.

Mar. 8: Byakuren Ajari Nikko Shonin (1246-1333) is born in Kai Province.

Mar. 23: Hojo Tokiyori (1227-1263) becomes Regent.

Guyuk Khan elected next Khan of the Mongols.

1247-1249

25-27

Apr. 1248: Coughing epidemic.

Mar. 23, 1249: Great destructive fire hits Kyoto.

1248: Guyuk Khan dies.

1250

28

Nichiji Shonin is born.

1251

29

Returns to Enryakuji Temple and also visits numerous temples throughout the outlying region.

Feb. 10: Great destructive fire hits Kamakura.

Hojo Nagatoki establishes Pure temple, Jokomyo-ji, in Kamakura.

Mongke Khan elected the next Khan of the Mongols.

1252

30

Departs for Onjoji Temple and returns to Seichoji Temple.

Nitcho Shonin is born.

Feb. 8: Great destructive fire hits Kamakura.

Mongol campaign against the Sung in China.

1253

31

Apr. 28: First chants Namu Myoho Renge Kyo and declares the Lotus Sutra supreme, changes his name to Nichiren. Converts his parents to faith in the Lotus Sutra, and gives them the Buddhist names of Myonichi and Myoren.

Flees the forces of Lord Tojo Kagenobuand during the month of May, moves to the Matsubagayatsu area of Kamakura.

Nissho Shonin becomes Nichiren's first disciple.

Feb: Earthquake and storm strikes Kamakura.

Aug. 28: Dogen dies at age 54.

1254

32

Nichiren begins propagation in Kamakura.

Nichiro Shonin becomes Nichiren's disciple. Toki Jonin becomes a lay follower.

Jan. 10: Great destructive fire hits Kamakura, burning many homes and building from the coastline all the way to the Nagoe area.

Sept.: Torrential rains in Kamakura.

1255

33

Composes On Attaining Buddhahood.

Mongol campaign in Persia.

1256

34

Shijo Kingo, Kudo Yoshitaka and Ikegami Munenaka become lay followers.

Aug.: Immense winds, flood and measles epidemic in Kamakura.

Nov. 22: Hojo Nagatoki (1229-1264) becomes Regent.

1257

35

The disciple, Tenmoku, is born.

May, Aug. And Nov.: Immense earthquakes in Kamakura, many temples and shrines are destroyed.

July 1: Kaga Hoin prays for rain.

1258

36

Feb. 14: Father dies. Goes to Jissoji Temple in Iwamoto.

Nikko Shonin becomes a disciple.

Jan.: Jufukuji Temple and the Wakamiya Treasure House in Kamakura burn down.

Aug.: Storms destroy crops nationwide, floods kill many in Kamakura.

Oct. 16: Destructive rains and flooding in Kamakura.

Baghdad and consequently the Persian Empire falls to the Mongols.

1259

37

Mar. Government orders nationwide reading of the Ninno Sutra in order to bring an end to the starvation and epidemics. Large scale starvation and epidemics across the country, resulting in wide spread death.

Dec.: Widespread starvation and epidemics in Kyoto and neigbouring provinces.

Mongke Khan dies.

1260

38

July 16: Composes and submits Rissho Ankoku Ron to Hojo Tokiyori.

Aug. 27: The Matsubagayatsu Persecution: Kamakura residence is attacked and burned down by Pure Land believers. Flees to the residence of Toki Jonin in Shimosa.

Toki family, Ota Jomyo, Soya Kyoshin and Akimoto Taro become lay followers.

Famine and plague throughout the nation. April: Great fire in Kamakura. June 12: The Shogunate orders all temples and shrines to pray for an end to deadly leprosy and other plagues.

Nov. 6: The entire temple complex of the Daigoji (major Shingon temple) burns down.

Kublai and brother Ariq Boke both elected Khan, consequently civil war erupts.

Kublai declares the establishment of the Yuan Dynasty.

1261

39

May 12: Exiled to the Ito area on Izu Peninsula.

Funamori Yasaburo and his wife become lay followers.

1262

40

Jan. 16: Composes The Four Debts of Gratitude.

Nov.: Shinran Shonin dies at age 90.

1263

41

Feb. 22: Pardoned from exile, returns to Kamakura

Nov. 22: Hojo Tokiyori dies.

1264

42

Returns to Awa and prays for ill mother's recovery.

Nov. 11: The Komatsubara Persecution: Ambush by Tojo Kagenobu.

Sado (Mimbu) Ajari Niko Shonin becomes disciple

Mar. 23: Enryakuji is burned by own inhabitants.

May 2: The Precepts Platform of Onjoji Temple is burned.

June-July: Widespread leprosy and coughing epidemics in Kyoto.

Aug: Leprosy epidemic in Awa.

Kublai Khan defeats brother.

1267

45

Aug. 15: Nichiren's mother, Myoren, dies.

Iyo Ajari Nitcho Shonin becomes disciple.

Aug.: Ninsho Ryokan takes up residence at Gokurakuji Temple.

1266: Kublai Khan constructs new capital in Tatu (in China).

1268

46

Returns to Kamakura and establishes new residence at Matsugabayatsu.

Writes eleven letters of remonstration to government officials and leading priests of the Buddhist community in Kamakura.

Mar. 5: Hojo Tokimune (1251-1284) becomes Regent.

Jan.: Mongol Emissary arrives in Japan with the empire's demands for surrender.

1269

47

Mar. 7 and Sept. 17: Mongol delegation arrives in Japan.

1270

48

Renge Ajari Nichiji Shonin becomes a disciple.

Nov.: Widespread leprosy epidemic in Awa and neigbouring provinces.

1271

49

Sept. 10: Second remonstration with government (with Hei-no-Saemon).

Sept. 12: Failed attempt to illegally execute Nichiren Shonin during the Tatsunokuchi Persecution.

Sept. 13: Confined under arrest in the Sagami residence of Lord Honma Rokurozaemon.

Oct. 5: Writes Lessening One's Karmic Retribution.

Oct. 9: Inscribes preliminary Mandala Gohonzon.

Oct. 10: Departs Echi and is banished to Sado Island.

Oct. 21: Arrives at Teradomari.

Oct. 22: Composes Teradomari Gosho.

Oct. 27: Departs Teradomari by boat.

Nov. 1: Arrives at Tsukahara, Sado Island.

Sept. 13: Disciples Nichiro Shonin and Nisshin are imprisoned along with lay priests Sakabe Nyudo, Izawa Nyudo and Tokugyoji in a jail behind the residence of Yadoya Mitsunori.

Disciples Nikko Shonin and Nichiji Shonin accompany Nichiren Shonin in exile.

Nov.: Abutsu-bo and Sennichi-ama become lay followers.

Great drought

June 18-July 4: Ninsho Ryokan prays unsuccessfully for rain.

Nichiren Daishonin successfully prays for rain using the Lotus Sutra.

1271-1295: Brothers Niccolò and Matteo Polo, together with Niccolo's son, Marco, depart Venice for the court of Kublai Khan.

Sept.: Mongol delegation arrives in Japan.

1272

50

Jan. 16-17: Tsukahara Debate at Sanmido.

Feb. 11: Composes the two volumes of the Kaimoku Sho (Opening of the Eyes).

Mar. 20: Writes Sado Gosho.

Apr.: Transferred from Tsukahara to the residence of Kondo Kiyohisa at Ichinosawa on Sado.

June 16: Inscribes another preliminary Mandala Gohonzon. In this year, he also writes Kito Sho.

Feb.: Sairen-bo becomes disciple and

Apr. : Shijo Kingo travels to Sado Island to visit Nichiren Shonin.

May : Nichimyo Shonin travels to Sado Island to visit Nichiren Shonin.

Feb. Hojo Tokitsuke, elder half brother of Regent Hojo Tokimune, fails in attempt to overthrow government. Rebellions by warriors in both Kyoto and Kamakura.

May: Mongol delegation arrives in Japan..

1273

51

Apr. 25: Composes Kanjin Honzon Sho (The Object of Veneration for Viewing One's Heart ).

May 17: Authors Shoho Jisso Sho (The True Aspect of All Dharma). In this month, he also writes Nyosetsu Shugyo Sho (Buddhist Practice as Taught by the Tathagata) and on the 11th, composes Kembutsu Mirai Ki (Describing Future Appearances of the Buddha).

July 8: Inscribes the first Mandala Gohonzon of the Ten Worlds, as a symbol of the Lotus Sutra and object of worship.

Ippen establishes the Ji Sect of Pure Land Buddhism

1274

52

Feb: Government pardons Nichiren Shonin and officially terminates the exile to Sado Island.

Mar. 13: Departs Ichinosawa.

Mar. 15: Arrives in Kashiwasaki.

Mar. 26: Arrives in Kamakura.

Apr. : Third and final remonstration with the government (with Hei-no Saemon).

May 12: Departs Kamakura and moves to Mt. Minobu.

May: Writes the Hokke Shuyo Sho (The Essentials of the Lotus Sutra), at Minobu.

June: Inscribes Mandala Gohonzon for disciple Tenmoku.

Dec. : Inscribes Mandala Gohonzon "For Humanity's Salvation and Protection for Ten Thousand Years."

Nichimoku Shonin becomes a disciple.

Apr. 10: Kaga no Hoin unsuccessfully prays for rain.

Apr. 12: Destructive strong winds in Kamakura.

Kublai Khan launches unsuccessful expedition to Japan.

Oct.: Mongol forces invade Japan, attacking Tsushima and Iki Islands.

Oct. 20: Storm impedes Mongol attack, ships are sunk of Taima Island.

1275

53

Apr. 16: Composes Letter to the Brothers.

June 10: Writes the Senji Sho (On the Selection of Time) . Presents Nikko Shonin with the Dec. 1274 Mandala Gohonzon "For Humanity's Salvation and Protection for Ten Thousand Years."

Nisshu, Nichiben and Nichizon of Atsuhara area become disciples. Sairen-bo is pardoned from his exile to Sado.

1275-1276: Sung rebel against Mongol Empire.

Sept. Mongol ambassador is beheaded at Tatsunokuchi Execution Site.

1276

54

July 26: Composes Ho'on Jo(Repaying One's Debt of Gratiitude).

Mar. 16: Master Dozen of Seichoji passes away.

Jan. 25: Great fire throughout Kamakura, Gokurakuji Temple also burns down. Later another fire spreads through the city.

1277

55

April 10: Writes the Shishin Gohon Sho (Four Stages of Faith and Five Stages of Buddhist Practice).

June: Authors the Shimoyama Goshosoku (Letter to Shimoyama)

June 25: Composes letter Yorimoto Chinjo to Lord Ema on behalf of Shijo Kingo.

Wide-spread plague.

1278

56

Nichiren Shonin takes ill. Mar. 19: Begins lectures on the Lotus Sutra for disciples.

September: Writes the Honzon Mondo Sho (Questions and Answers on the Object of Worship)

Atsuhara farmers Jinshiro, Yaguro and Yarokuro become believers.

July 27: Abutsu-no makes third visit to Minobu from Sado Island.

Feb. Due to epidemics, the name of the Imperial reign is changed to Koan.

May 18: A statue of Bod. Kannon is erected at Kofukuji Temple as prayers are offered for an end to the devastating plagues.

July 24: Doryu of Kenchoji dies.

1279

57

Oct. 1: Writes Shonin Gonanji (Persecutions Befalling a Saint)

Sept 21: Jinshiro, Yaguro and Yarokuro are arrested along with 20 other believers.

Oct. 12: Izumi-ko Nippo Shonin begins carving first image of Nichiren Daishonin.

Oct. 15: Jinshiro, Yaguro and Yarokuro.are beheaded.

Sung Empire falls to Mongols.

July 29: Mongol delegation killed at Hakata (Kyushu).

1280

58

Jan. 27: Writes Akimoto Gosho.

May 28: Lotus Sutra Lectures for disciples is completed.

Feb.: Composes Letter to Niike.

Dec.: Writes Remonstration with Hachiman.

June 24: The Northern Hall of Onjoji Temple in Mitsui burns.

Nov. 14: The Treasure House of the Hachiman Shrine in Kamakura burns down.

Feb. 21: The Imperial Court orders all temples and shrines to pray for victory over the Mongol Empire in an imminent invasion.

1281

59

Apr. 8: Composes Sandai Hiho Sho (The Three Great Secret Dharmas of Buddhism) .

Nov. Kuonji constructed on Minobu, Nichiren Daishonin transfers his residence there.

April 28: Great winds in Kamakura.

May-July: Mongols attack Kyushu, however, in July most of fleet is sunk by destructive winds.

1282

60

Sept. 8: Departs Minobu for Hitachi.

Sept. 18: Arrives at Ikegami Munenaka's residence in Ikegami Village (present day Tokyo).

Sept. 25: Lectures on the Rissho Ankoku Ron.

Oct. 8: Nichiren Shonin designates the six senior disciples of Nissho Shonin, Nichiro Shonin, Nikko Shonin, Niko Shonin, Nitcho Shonin and Nichiji Shonin. Encourages 13-year old Kyoichi-maro (later Ryuge-in Nichizo Shonin) to become a priest and spread the Odaimoku in the Imperial capital of Kyoto when he grows older.

Oct 13: Nichiren Daishonin passes away at Ikegami at approx. 8:00am. At 9:00am, funeral begins.

Oct. 16: Nichiren Daishonin is cremated.

Oct. 21: Disciples leave Ikegami with the Nichiren Daishonin's ashes.

Oct. 24: Disciples arrive at Mt. Minobu with the Nichiren Daishonin's ashes.

Oct. 26: 14th-day memorial service is conducted by disciples at the Daibo Monastery on Mt. Minobu.

Oct. 29: Nippo Shonin carves a statue of Nichiren Daishonin in commemoration of the 49th day memorial service.

Feb.: Myoho-ama of Okanomiya dies.

Funeral Procession: Nichiro Shonin in front and Nissho Shonin in back on entourage, other senior and interme diate disciples flank the left and right sides of the coffin.

Apr. 26, 1283: Ota Jomyo dies.

May 23, 1283: Jozai'in Nitcho of Shimosa dies.

Hojo Tokimune establishes Zen temple in Kamakura, Enkakuji.

1283

Jan. 23: 100-day memorial service is held at Mt. Minobu, and tombstone is erected by disciples.

Jan.: Widespread epidemics resulting in death.

June: Widespread epidemics resulting in death.

1284 - 1288

Oct. 12, 1284: Toki Jonin disinherits Nitcho Shonin.

Oct. 13, 1284: The wife of Hiki Daigaku Saburo dies.

Dec., 1284: Nissho Shonin establishes Myohoke-ji Temple in Kamakura.

1285: Tenmoku Shonin establishes Myokoku-ji Temple in Musashi Prov.

Feb., 1286: Hiki Daigaku Saburo dies.

June 8, 1288: In commemoration of the 7th anniv. of his passing, Nichiji Shonin and Nichijo Shonin have statue of Nichiren Daishonin carved by Nippo Shonin and erected at Ikegami.

Sept. 28, 1288: In commemoration of the 7th anniv. of his passing, Nissho Shonin records Kyoshaku Hisho Yobun.

Aug., 1284: The Shogunate exiles Hojo Tokimitsu to Sado Island.

Oct., 1284: Hojo Tokikoku is executed by the Shogunate at Joriku.

1289 -1295

Mar.1, 1290: Nakaoki Nyudo dies.

Mar.5, 1291: Hoyoin Nikkaku Shonin , Sado Honkaku-ji Temple founder, dies.

Mar., 1293: Lord Hakii establishes Myotoku-ji Temple in honour of his deceased mother, Myotoku.

Apr. 6, 1293: Lord Yadoya Saemon Nyudo Saishin dies.

Sept. 13, 1293: Ikegami Munenaka dies.

Oct. 11, 1293: Chikuzen'a Nichigo, founder of Myokoji Temple in Shimosa, dies.

May1, 1294: Soya Nyudo Horen dies.

Jan.1, 1295: Nichiji Shonin departs for Northern Japan and China to propagate the Odaimoku, faith in the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Shonin's teachings.

June, 1289: Widespread smallpox epidemics.

Aug. 23, 1289: Ippen Shonin (of the Ji Sect) dies at age 50.