According to the second chapter on the “Expedients” of the Lotus Sūtra, Buddhas in the past, present and future are to preach provisional teachings first in order to lead people to the Lotus Sūtra, which is to be preached last. Accordingly, the order of preaching or the method of propagation are the same among Buddhas; it should thoroughly be similar to that of the Lotus Sūtra. This is why the teaching of the twentieth chapter on the “Never-Despising Bodhisattva” of the Lotus Sūtra preached in the days of Powerful Voice King Buddha is expounded by the present Śākyamuni Buddha in the thirteenth chapter on the “Encouragement for Upholding This Sūtra.” Likewise, the teaching of the present Śākyamuni Buddha in the 13th chapter will be preached in the days of future Buddhas as the 20th chapter expounded in the past, Buddhas demonstrating the example of propagating the True Dharma. Never-Despising Bodhisattva, mentioned in the 20th chapter of the Lotus Sūtra, gave guidance to the devotees as well as the slanderers without discrimination. He was sometimes struck with swords and sticks, or pieces of tiles and pebbles were thrown at him. When this chapter, “Encouragement for Upholding This Sūtra,” is preached in the future and respected as the chapter on “Never-Despising Bodhisattva” in the past, Nichiren will be looked up as the exemplary propagator of the True Dharma: Never-Despising Bodhisattva in the past.

Teradomari Gosho, A Letter from Teradomari, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 2, Page 13