We tend to believe that the Buddha’s pure lands and hells do not exist in this world, but actually they exist only in our minds. Those who are awakened to this truth are called Buddhas, and those ignorant of it and still confused are called the unenlightened.

It is possible to be awakened to this truth only by upholding the teachings of the Lotus Sutra; practicers of the Lotus Sūtra perceive that hells and the pure land of tranquil light are identical. Even if a person practices provisional teaching for innumerable myriads of aeons against the teaching of the Lotus Sutra, he will be stuck in hell. This is not my (Nichiren’s) arbitrary opinion, but it is the doctrine of Śākyamuni Buddha, Tahō Buddha and all Buddhas in manifestation throughout the universe.

Ueno-dono Goke-ama Go-henji, A Response to the Nun, Widow of Lord Ueno, Nyonin Gosho, Letters Addressed to Female Followers, Page 46