Although the Buddhas and gods protect women who uphold the Lotus Sūtra, when their faith is weak, it seems likely they will be forsaken. For instance, when the commander-in-chief is a coward, his men are in low spirits. When a bow is weak, a bowstring becomes loose. When the wind is light, the wave is small. This is only natural.

However, Lord Shijō is a firm believer in the Lotus Sūtra, and no one among the lay people in Japan is equal to him. You, who are married to such a man, are the foremost woman in Japan. The Buddha must think of you as the dragon girl who attained Buddhahood owing to the Lotus Sūtra. The Chinese character for “wife” is read as “lean on.” Just as a wisteria plant hangs on a pine tree, a woman depends on her husband. You should rely on Lord Shijō as your teacher and have him guide you in your faith in the Lotus Sūtra.

Shijō Kingo-dono Nyōbō Gohenji, A Reply to the Wife of Lord Shijō Kingo, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 7, Followers II, Page 122