Because letters that are written by qualified people have power.
Nichiren Daishonin wanted to bring all mankind to a state of unbreakable happiness; Jobutsu, and with great compassion and mercy, the Daishonin manifested all of his enlightenment in writing as the Gohonzon.
Think about it.
There are many examples in the world where letters have power in their respective fields.
For example, paper money. If you look at at a bill, you can see the words written on it. And there is a stamp or signature of the representative of the central bank of the country, backed by the creditworthiness of the nation. These letters have power!
In other words, it gives you the power to buy things.
You can’t travel abroad without a passport, right? It has the seal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. It allows the passport holder to travel abroad.
Thus, a letter written by a qualified person in accordance with the law is not just an ordinary letter.
What qualifications did Nichiren Daishonin have to manifest this Gohonzon?
The Daishonin wrote the Gohonzon in the position of the root of the millions of the Buddhas in the Universe (Kuonganjo no Jijuyujin).
He is the Buddha of the Mappo era (Latter Day of the Law).
At the Tatsunokuchi execution site (September 12th, 1271), if you are an ordinary man, your head would have been cut off. The reason why the government could not cut off Nichiren Daishonin’s head is because he is the True Buddha. Nichiren Daishonin manifested his soul in written form.
I, Nichiren, have written my soul in ink. Believe in this Gohonzon from the bottom of your heart.
Therefore, this Gohonzon has power.
What kind of power is this that makes ordinary people into Buddhas? Even if you don’t understand complex things, when you chant Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo with gratitude, the power of the Gohonzon will definitely bring you good luck.
The “Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo” we chant is the name of Nichiren Daishonin. If we call out the name, it will lead to the Daishonin. And you will be protected.
Just like when a young child asks his mother for help, “Mom, Mom!” The mother will always protect him.
If you call out the name of Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo, you will immediately reach the Daishonin. Therefore, the Daishonin’s soul will dwell in you, and you will become fortunate.
The selfish heart will change into a heart that cares for others. Your destiny will also change, and you will finally receive the great benefits that will allow you to gain unbreakable happiness in your lifetime.
This is the power of the Gohonzon!
The above is the teaching given by Asai Sensei at the ceremony in Taiwan, July 2008.
Unbreakable Happiness 