You were born on a small island in Japan, far from India, the native land of Śākyamuni Buddha; and you were born a female bound by the “five hinderances”* and “three bonds.”** Nevertheless you firmly put faith in the Lotus Sūtra, which is hard to uphold. It is indeed great, beyond expression.

* Five hinderances: women are thought unable to become the Brahma Heavenly King, Indra, king of devils, Wheel-turning Noble King, and Buddha.

** Three bonds: women are supposed to obey the father at home, the husband when married, and the children when widowed.

Gassui Gasho, A Letter on Menstruation, Nyonin Gosho, Letters Addressed to Female Followers, Page 26