Nichiren

Timeline

1. 1233–1253Kiyomizu-dera · Chiba PrefectureIn 1233 he entered Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu-dera temple) to become a monk, later traveling to Kamakura, Kyoto, and elsewhere to study at temples of various schools. On April 28, 1253, at Kiyomizu-dera he declared his devotion to the Lotus Sutra, establishing 'Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō' as fundamental practice.
2. 1254–1260Kamakura · Kanagawa PrefectureFrom 1254 he propagated Lotus faith around Kamakura. In July 1260 he submitted the Risshō Ankokuron to regent Hōjō Tokiyori, arguing that the nation should embrace the Lotus Sutra in light of frequent natural disasters, provoking fierce controversy with other sects.
3. 1261–1274Izu · Shizuoka PrefectureIn 1261, due to the Risshō Ankokuron, he was marginalized by the shogunate and other sects and exiled to Izu. Thereafter he suffered repeated attacks and further exiles, yet continued preaching and writing major works such as the Kaikyō-shō in Sado and Echigo.
4. 1274–1282Minobu · Yamanashi PrefectureAfter his pardon in 1274 he retired to Minobu in Kai Province, establishing Kūon-ji as his principal temple, systematically writing and training disciples, laying the organizational foundation of the Nichiren school. In 1282 he passed away at Ikeda in Musashi Province, where he had been invited to preach.