Translated by Udumbara Foundation volunteers
It has been a long-standing tradition in Japan for families to have their own
crest or coat of arms. As its crest Nichiren Shoshu uses the emblem of a
crane, which is
Nichiren Daishonin's symbol and emblematic of longevity.

Nikko Shonin's emblem is a turtle whose outer shell represents protection
by indestructible armor.

Nichimoku Shonin's emblem is sho-chiku-bai: the pine tree (sho), which is
an evergreen, representing eternal life; bamboo (
chiku), suggesting straight
and moderate; and the apricot tree (
bai), indicating a sweet and pleasant

Shakyamuni Buddha used an emblem known in Japanese as Ho-rin to
represent his enire collection of Buddhist teachings.  
Ho  signifies the Law,
rin indicates a wheel. Hence  Ho-rin means "Wheel of the Law."
Ho-rin has three aspects:
1. The sun and its rays, which reach out in eight directions, or all directions.
2. A sword, which destroys heretical religions.
3. A wheel, which can travel anywhere.

It was Shakyamuni's wish that his teachings spread far and wide.
By Reverend Raido Hirota
Crane. Symbol for
Nichiren Daishonin and
Nichiren Shosh
Ho-rin. The Wheel
of the Law. Symbol
for Shakyamuni
Buddha's 80,000
Symbol for
Nikko Shonin
Symbol for
Nichimoku Shonin
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the Nichiren Shoshu Shoshin-kai