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 scent.

Shakyamuni Buddha used an emblem known in Japanese as Ho-rin to represent his entire collection of Buddhist teachings.

Ho signifies the Law, and 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.

THE PRIESTHOOD