Nichiren founded numerous temples, but was busy during the whole of his life, when not in exile, in teaching, preaching, and itinerating. He published a book called Ankoku Ron (“An argument to tranquilize the country”.) The bitterness with which he attacked other sects roused up a host of enemies against him, who complained to Hojo Tokiyori, the “shikken,” or holder of the power at Kamakura, and prayed to have him silenced, as a destroyer of the public peace, as indeed the holy man was.
Nichiren was banished to Cape Ito, in Idzu, where he remained three years. On his release, instead of holding his tongue, he allowed it to run more violently than ever against other sects, especially decrying the great and learned priests of previous generations. Hojo Tokiyori again arrested him, confined him in a dungeon below ground, and condemned him to death.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
