Now in this mountain stream of Minobu there are many pebbles, but no taro dried like stone that you kindly sent to me. Summer is a farming season when you don’t have enough workers. Moreover, the construction of Ōmiya Shrine must keep you extremely busy. Nevertheless, you thought of the mountain village of Minobu to send a precious offering to us. I appreciate it very much. Ultimately this is your offering to Śākyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sūtra to pray for the repose of your late father out of your longing for him. Yours is a true heart of filial piety.

Such deities as the King of the Brahma Heaven, Indra, Sun Deity, Moon Deity, and the Four Heavenly Kings have vowed before the Buddha to reside in the dwellings of people dutiful to their parents and protect them. While little can be done if these deities decide not to honor their vow, as it is a fundamental rule to keep a promise, how can they break the vow they made before the Buddha? Such deities will never fail to protect people who have filial piety.

Therefore, even if the lords, whom you serve at the risk of your life, force you to abandon your faith or severe persecution befalls you, do not retreat. Instead muster your faith in the Lotus Sūtra, and regard it as a good opportunity to see whether or not deities keep the promise they made to the Buddha. Your steadfast faith will enable the soul of your father to become a Buddha and he will come to protect you. Then all the obstacles and challenges will disappear, and you will be able to enjoy living in ease and comfort. When you encounter oppression, therefore, gladly accept it as the moment of truth.

Ueno-dono Gohenji, Reply to Lord Ueno, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 7, Followers II, Pages 10