The Shoten Zenjin
The Shoten Zenjin are innate protective powers in the universe they are guardian deities that protect the True Buddha’s Law.
The Shoten Zenjin gain strength from Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. Their function is to protect the True Buddha, the Law, and its practitioners, without fail, as it is written in the Lotus Sutura.
“The Shoten Zenjin, for the sake of the True Law, will constantly guard and protect those who uphold it.“
In the morning Gongyo prayer, face toward east and offer your Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo to the Shoten Zenjin, so that their protective functions will increase.
When we chant Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo, we activate our own Buddha nature which, in turn, naturally responds to the force of the Universe.
What are the Shoten Zenjin?
The names
The names of the Shoten are Bonten (Brahma), Taishaku (Shakra), Nitten (the Sun), Gatten (the Moon) and Shioten (Four great kings). They are the Buddhist guardians who belong to the universe.
The Zenjin are Tensho Daijin and Hachiman Daibosatsu.
Tensho Daijin is the ancestor of imperial family and the first emperor of Japan. Hachiman Daibosatsu is the 16th Emperor, Ohjin.
The land of the Rising Sun
The reason why these Zenjin are related to Buddhism is because Japan is the land of the Buddha, and in particular, it is the only country in the world where the Mappo Geshu Honbutsu (Age of the final Dharma who sows the seeds of Buddhahood) appears.
In order to protect this Buddha, Tensho Daijin and Hachiman Daibosatsu appeared in advance as emperors of Japan. Both were the reincarnation of Siddhartha and appeared in Japan to protect the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin.
Why do they protect Nichiren Daishonin?
The first reason is Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo is the Secret Law that allowed the Shoten to be able to gain enlightenment. Now the Daishonin is spreading the Secret Law in the age of Mappo (Current time). Why would they want to miss the chance to repay their gratitude to the Buddha?
The second reason is to fulfill the oath that they promised to Siddhartha at the Lotus Sutra Ceremony In The Air. Siddhartha ordered the Shoten to protect the Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo Buddha in the age of Mappo.
Relationship with the Universe
All living things on earth are rejuvenated by the power of the Sun and the Moon to sustain their lives. The effects of the Sun and the Moon are fundamental and vital to all living things.
Modern science has proved the reality of the universe, from the structure of it, to its smallest particles. But what we know is still a small part, and there are by far many things we don’t understand.
For example, it was only in recent years that a huge black hole was found in the center of the galaxy. But there was always a “black hole” whether people recognized it or not.
Science is still in progress, and we are repeating trial and error in search of the ultimate truth that infiltrates humans and the universe.
So what is that ultimate truth? It is all about the essence of life that Nichiren Daishonin proved. Our bodies possess the elements of the universe and are equal to it.
A drop in the ocean contains all the components of seawater, and spreads throughout the ocean. However, we are not aware of it.
Therefore, Nichiren Daishonin showed us through the Tatsunokuchi persecution that our souls are equal to the universe and cannot be destroyed.
The Kaidan no Dai Gohonzon (est. Oct 12th 1279) is the embodiment of Nichiren Daishonin’s soul and has been infused with the enlightened life of the True Buddha.
It was left for all mankind so that we can chant Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo and obtain unbreakable happiness.
Therefore, we must not deny the existence of “Shoten” with the scientific knowledge we have now.
Who would doubt this if it were proven? The proof is in the number of signs expressed by Shoten in response to Nichiren Daishonin’s guidance.
The great earthquake in the year of Shoka (1257) and the great comet in the year of Bunei (1264) were the first signs that the Shoten punished Japan.
It was invaded by another country after the civil war.
The mysterious light at the Tatsunokuchi persecution site (1271) is the Shoten protecting Nichiren Daishonin Buddha.
Therefore, when we believe in Nichiren Daishonin Buddha and chant Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo, we will inherit good luck from the Daishonin. Therefore, fortune comes naturally, and your fate will change for the better.
From Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo by Shoei Asai
Unbreakable Happiness 