The Lotus Sūtra is preceded by an introductory sūtra called the Sūtra of Infinite Meaning. It is like a general who precedes a royal procession when a great king goes out in order to quell the rude people. It is stated in this sūtra that “The truth has never been revealed during the first forty years or so of preaching by Śākyamuni Buddha.” This is like a general with his powerful bow and arrows shooting down enemies of the king or cutting them down with his great sword.

Ueno-dono Haha-ama Gozen Gohenji, A Response to My Lady the Nun, Mother of Lord Ueno, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Faith and Practice, Volume 4, Page 178