In the 25th chapter on the “Universal Gate of World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva” in the Lotus Sūtra it is said that “the curse will return to the originators.” So, when we think about this, the Lotus Sūtra is the great way which allows us to receive benefit through punishment. Minamoto Yoritomo was able to destroy the Heike through the virtue of his constant recitation of the Lotus Sūtra, and that is definitely evidence that people will gain benefit in the present life.

The reason I, Nichiren, could discern this truth is due to the favors that I received from my parents and teachers. However, my parents have already died. The late Venerable Dōzen-bō was my teacher but, since I propagated the Lotus Sūtra, he was afraid of Steward Tōjō Kagenobu, a Pure Land believer, and made a show of hating me as an enemy though in his heart he must have been sympathetic to me. Later, I heard that he seemed to have faith in the Lotus Sūtra a little bit, but I do not know how he felt about it when he died. I am very much concerned about it. I hope that he has not fallen into hell, but I doubt that he could rid himself of the suffering of life and death. I am filled with regrets when I think of him wandering in the intermediate state between the present and future lives. When Steward Tōjō Kagenobu tried to kill me in rage, you and Gijō-bō escorted me safely away from Seichōji Temple. So even though you did not do anything specifically for the sake of the Lotus Sūtra, I regard this as a service to the Lotus Sūtra, and I am sure that you both will cut the chain of life and death.

Honzon Mondō Shō, Questions and Answers on the Honzon, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 2, Page 271-272