Nobody, regardless of high and low, however, believes that I, Nichiren, am a practicer of the Lotus Sūtra. People must be wondering why Nichiren, who claims to be a practicer of the Lotus Sūtra, is confronted by many persecutions and difficulties while the sūtra preaches that one who practices Buddhism is at peace in this world and will be reborn in a better place in future lives. It must be that, they believe, Nichiren is not in accordance with the true intent of the Buddha.

Expecting such a vicious criticism from the beginning, I am not surprised even if I am exiled at the displeasure of the ruler of Japan because it is clearly stated in the Lotus Sūtra that one who practices the teachings of the Lotus Sūtra in the Latter Age of Degeneration will be confronted by many difficulties.

Hakii Saburō-dono Go-henji, A Response to Lord Hakii Saburō, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 2, Page 183