Nikkō (priest)

Quick Facts: Who was Nikkō (priest)?

Subject:

Nikkō (priest)

Known for:

Senior disciple of Nichiren, key figure in preserving and propagating his teachings.

Born:

1246-03-26

Died:

1333-02-21

Century / Era:

1246s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Nikkō Shōnin (日興上人; 8 March 1246 – 7 February 1333), Buddhist name Hawaki-bō Byakuren Ajari Nikkō (伯耆房白蓮阿闍梨日興), was one of the six senior disciples of Nichiren and was the former Chief Priest of Kuon-ji temple in Mount Minobu, Japan. Various Nichiren sects in Japan claim to have been founded by Nikkō, the most prominent being Nichiren Shōshū and some lineages within Nichiren Shū. Nikkō kept meticulous records and highly organized religious practice during his lifetime, and is responsible for much of the records that survive today. Nikkō singularly upheld the doctrine that Nichiren was the True and Eternal Buddha in the Third Age of Buddhism and therefore is considered by schools stemming from Nikkō such Nichiren Shōshū and the Soka Gakkai as the legitimate successor to the ministry and legacy of Nichiren. Nikko established the Head Temple Taisekiji at Fujinomiya in 1290, as well as enshrining the Dai Gohonzon image.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1332, four months before his death, he designated Nichimoku Shonin as his successor. The grave of Nikkō remains today in Kitayama Honmonji, Omosu, in Suruga Province where he lived for thirty-six years, establishing a Buddhist seminary that affiliated in the Hokke shū (法華宗) religion. The Koshi-E memorial feast of his death anniversary is commemorated on February 6 (Nichiren Shoshu O-tai-ya) and February 7 (Gosho-to-e ceremony). Nikkō was born at Kajikazawa in Koma District of Kai Province. His father, Oi-no Kitsuroku was from Totsumi province and later moved to Kai province while maintaining his Samurai career.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He died when Nikkō was a child. Nikkō's mother was Myofuku Tsunashima (née Yui) and was from what is now Shizuoka Prefecture. He was raised by his grandfather, Nyudo Yui. As a child, he entered the Tendai temple Shijuku-in, in Fujiwakabacho, Iwabuchi Ichirizuka. He took the acolyte name, "Hōki-bō" and received his education here, which as well as Tendai doctrine, included Chinese classics, Japanese literature, poetry, calligraphy, as well as other subjects.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1246 (1246-03-26): Birth of Nikkō (priest) — Senior disciple of Nichiren, key figure in preserving and propagating his teachings.
2. 1290: 1290 Milestone — Nikko established the Head Temple Taisekiji at Fujinomiya in 1290, as well as enshrining the Dai Gohonzon image.
3. 1332: 1332 Milestone — In 1332, four months before his death, he designated Nichimoku Shonin as his successor.
4. 1333 (1333-02-21): Passing & Historical Legacy — Nikkō (priest) passed away on 1333-02-21, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nikkō (priest)

True or False: “Nikkō was solely responsible for compiling all the writings from Nichiren's time, including those written in Kana characters.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Nikkō preserved many of Nichiren's writings, he also collected and copied teachings given by Daishonin at Minobu, which formed The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings (OTT).

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Dafydd ap Llywelyn — Contemporary (Died in 1246) (1246): Prince of Gwynedd, a key figure in the struggle for Welsh independence.
• Hōjō Tsunetoki — Contemporary (Died in 1246) (1246): Fourth Shikken of the Kamakura shogunate, ruling from 1242 to 1246.
• Hōjō Takatoki — Contemporary (Died in 1333) (1333): The last ruling Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, a pivotal figure in late 13th-century Japanese politics.
• Kan'ami — Contemporary (Born in 1333) (1333): Pioneering Noh actor, author, and musician who founded the Kanze school.
• Prince Morikuni — Contemporary (Died in 1333) (1333): Last shōgun of the Kamakura Shogunate, a puppet ruler until its collapse.
• A. E. Housman — Shared historical date (03-26 · Born) (1859): English classicist and poet, renowned for his scholarship and melancholic verse.
• Ahmed Sékou Touré — Shared historical date (03-26 · Died) (1984): Founding President of Guinea, a pivotal figure in West African independence.
• Abhijit Banerjee — Shared historical date (02-21 · Born) (1961): Pioneering economist known for using scientific evidence to combat global poverty.
• Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi — Shared historical date (02-21 · Died) (1543): Imam and General of the Adal Sultanate, known for conquering Abyssinia.
• Władysław I Łokietek — Historical peer (Died in 1333) (1333): Piast dynasty ruler who was King of Poland from 1320 to 1333.
• 1246 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1246
• March 26 (03-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 26
• 1333 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1333
• February 21 (02-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 21

Frequently Asked Questions about Nikkō (priest)