I am in a great quandary. When my prediction comes true, it will prove that I am a sage, but Japan will be destroyed. I, Nichiren, have not committed any crime in this life. I am only sorry that what I said for the sake of my country and in order for me to repay the debt of gratitude to my native land was not appreciated. In addition, I was arrested and badly beaten with the fifth fascicle of the Lotus Sūtra, which I had kept in my bosom. Finally I was taken through the streets of Kamakura like a criminal. So I said loudly to the heavenly beings:

“The sun and moon gods are still in heaven as they had been at the time of the Lotus Assembly on Mt. Sacred Eagle. Yet they don’t come to rescue me, Nichiren, now when I am severely persecuted. Does it mean first of all, that I am not a true practicer of the Lotus Sutra? If so, I will not hesitate to correct my false view right away. If I, Nichiren, am a true practicer of the Lotus Sutra, please show proof immediately all over Japan. Otherwise, the sun and moon today are great liars who fool Säkyamuni Buddha, the Buddha of Many Treasures and Buddhas in all the worlds in the universe. Their lies are a hundred, thousand, ten thousand and ten million times larger than those committed by Devadatta and his disciple Kokālika.”

In prompt response they immediately caused civil disturbance, throwing Japan into confusion. Although I am an ordinary man not worth mentioning, in regard to upholding the Lotus Sūtra, I am the greatest man in Japan today.

Senji-shō, Selecting the Right time: A Tract by Nichiren, the Buddha’s Disciple, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 1, Page 245-246