Japan — 12 September 1271
Saved from execution by a flying sphere!
At midnight one of Japan’s greatest saints, Nichiren Shonin (1222-1282), was being escorted to the beach to be executed. Just before the fatal moment, a brilliant sphere as large as the moon flew over, illuminating the landscape. The authorities were so frightened by the apparition that they changed their minds about putting Shonin to death. Instead, they exiled him to Sado Island, though this did not prevent his teachings from spreading. A branch of his teachings, the Sokka-Gakkei, has millions of adherents throughout the world today.
Source: Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick, Lotus Seeds: The Essence of Nichiren Shu Buddhis (Nichiren Buddhist Temple of San Jose, 2000). Case: W067