This artwork will soon begin its journey from Ikegami Hongyouji Temple where Saint Nichiren passed away, to the Indian Temple of Mahabodhi, the birthplace of Buddhism, where it will rest for the next thousand years as a message of peace to future generations.

This will be the last unveiling of the [Buddha’s Universe Pilgrimage] in Japan.

This temple is also the sacred place where Saint Nichiren, a seeker of the Lotus Sutra, passed away.

Nichiren’s last wish was to enter Mt. Ryoujusen, a sacred place in Buddhism, one that he admired so much that he composed a Buddhist poem (known as a tanka) to honor it.

The Lotus Sutra, which is said to be the most powerful sutra that Buddha preached in this area in his later years, preaches love, peace, equality, and compassion.

It is seen from a cosmic perspective as a guide to the future in a chaotic world, and this painting has a worldview that is very much in sync with that.

This work departs from Ikegami to India in order to deliver Nichiren’s spirit to Mahabodhi Temple, a place he greatly admired during his life.
I look forward to seeing you at our last exhibition in Japan.

Link to: https://hongyozi.or.jp/