On Opening the Eyes

By William AltigKaimoku Shō

Spirituality and Religion

Philosophy

Length1h 19m

About this book

Summary

Written in 1272 during a brutal exile following a failed execution, "Opening of the Eyes" (Kaimoku Shō) is the definitive manifesto of Nichiren (1222–1282). It addresses a profound crisis of faith: why do practitioners of the highest truth encounter extreme suffering while the misguided seem to prosper? Nichiren answers by systematically evaluating the world’s philosophies—from Confucianism and Indian logic to the various Buddhist schools—proving the Lotus Sutra as the ultimate path to universal enlightenment. The title signifies a spiritual awakening, urging humanity to open its eyes from the "blindness" of provisional teachings to the reality of the Eternal Buddha. At its heart, Nichiren reveals his own identity as the "votary" of the Lotus Sutra, embodying the three virtues of Sovereign, Teacher, and Parent. It is a work of visceral grit and intellectual rigor, transforming personal persecution into a universal blueprint for spiritual resilience and social peace.

Book information

Genre

Spirituality and Religion, Philosophy

Length

1 hr 19 mins

Publish date

Jan 19, 2026

Language

English

About the Author

William Altig

William Altig is a cultural translator and author whose blues interpretation of the Lotus Sutra draws on the rich tradition of African American spiritual performance. His work honors the text's history of oral transmission while engaging contemporary performance traditions including blues, gospel, spoken word, and theater. The complete translation is designed for performance and includes specific guidance for oral delivery, pacing, emphasis, and emotional resonance. Altig is available for readings, collaborative artistic projects, and educational workshops on dharma and the performing arts.View all Audiobooks by William Altig

1KAIMOKU SHO: OPENING YOUR EYES

7Chapter Four: The Real Buddha Steps Forward

2Introduction

8Chapter Five: The Sutra Saw My Life Coming

3About Nichiren and This Work

9Chapter Six: The Name That Contains Everything

4Chapter One: Who Deserves Your Respect?

10Chapter Seven: The Original Disciples and the Question of Proof

5Chapter Two: The Only Real Thing

11Chapter Eight: The Fire, the Death, and the Threefold Vow