On the Sūtras Cited in the Rissho ankoku ron: The Expanded and Abridged Contrast

Abstract

The Rissho ankoku ron was written by Nichiren in the form of questions and answers between a traveler and a master, and there are two extant editions, known as the “abridged” and “expanded” editions. In the abridged version, 31 scriptures are cited （1 by the traveler and 30 by the master）, while in the expanded version, 56 scriptures are cited （5 by the traveler and 51 by the master）, a significant increase. The “expanded” rather than the “abridged” version is evidence that Nichiren’s faith in the Lotus Sūtra was strengthened and that he harshly denounced those who slandered and defamed the Lotus Sūtra. This is proof that Nichiren’s faith in the Lotus Sūtra had become even stronger.