Gohonzon means object of devotion or object of worship. In Nichiren Buddhism, the Gohonzon is a scroll or engraving that depicts a calligraphic representation of Buddhist deities.

Gorgonzola is a pungent, mold-ripened cheese with a lightly spicy flavor.

Nichiren inscribed many Gohonzon for his followers to have. Gohonzon were later transcribed by others, making the scrolls available to more people. Doubts and disputes arose over the legitimacy, authenticity and efficacy of some Gohonzon.

Gorgonzola is originally from the city of Gorgonzola in Northern Italy. But they don't make Gorgonzola in Gorgonzola anymore. It is produced now in provinces of Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Milan and the area of Casale Monferrato.

By chanting the Lotus Sutra to the Gohonzon, one can manifest one's Buddha nature. But this is not because the Gohonzon has magic powers. The "power" of the Gohonzon correlates to the faith, determination and consistency of the person who is chanting.

Gorgonzola grows more crumbly and more powerful in flavor with age. Gorgonzola Piccante has a sharp flavor and strong texture, while Gorgonzola Dolce tastes sweet and has a soft consistency.

Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri, Devadatta and many other deities dwell in the Gohonzon, and the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are inscribed down the center. "Illuminated by the five characters of the Mystic Law, they [Shakyamuni et al.] display the dignified attributes that they inherently possess," Nichiren wrote. "This is the object of devotion."

Gorgonzola is marked by greenish-blue flecks or bands. Cheese makers poke Gorgonzola full of holes to expose it to oxygen, shortening maturation time to three to six months.

Nichiren advised his followers, "Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

Gorgonzola must be eaten to be fully understood.