Gosho: The individual and collective writings of Nichiren Daishonin, True Buddha and founder of Nichiren Shoshu. Goshos are generally divided into letters of personal encouragement, treatises on Buddhism and recorded oral teachings. Go is an honorific prefix and sho means writing(s).
March 2026 Gosho
“Letter to the Ikegami Brothers”
(“Kyodai sho”)
April 1276 (Age 55)
Do not doubt that you committed slander in the past. Otherwise, you will not be able to endure the minor sufferings of this life. You may succumb to the opposition of your loving father and discard the Lotus Sutra against your will. If you do this, however, you will undoubtedly fall into hell. Furthermore, there is no doubt that your compassionate mother and loving father will also fall into the hell of incessant suffering, causing everyone to suffer grief. A great seeking spirit is essential for fulfilling one’s Buddhist practice. Since you have continued to uphold the Lotus Sutra, you are now eradicating your past grave offenses.
(Gosho p. 981 / Nichiren Shoshu Monthly March 2026)
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February 2026 Gosho
“Reply to Utsubusa nyobo”
(Utsubusa nyobo-gohenji)
August 14, 1280 (Age 59)
Let me briefly describe the virtues of Myoho-Renge-Kyo. The five characters of Myoho-Renge-Kyo can change evil into good, just like poison changing into medicine. Pristine Spring is so named because in this spring, stone can change into treasure. In the same manner, these five characters are able to change common mortals into Buddhas. Your beloved, deceased father chanted Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo while he was alive, and thus, attained enlightenment in his present form, just like stones turning into jewels. This is the epitome of filial piety and caring.
(Gosho p. 1492 / Nichiren Shoshu Monthly February 2026)
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January 2026 Gosho
“On Prayer”
(“Kito-sho”)
1272 (Age 51)As we wait for the moon to rise, we rely upon the light of a torch. If we have no gems, gold and silver will serve as treasures. The debt of gratitude owed to a white crow can be repaid to a black crow. In the same way, the debt of gratitude owed to a venerable priest can be repaid to an ordinary priest. Therefore, if we sincerely pray for benefits to be promptly provided, how can our prayers fail to be answered?
(Gosho p. 630 / Nichiren Shoshu Monthly January 2026)Print or download January 2026 Gosho passage.