Generally speaking, one who acts against one’s parents or disobeys the ruler of the country is chastised by the heavens for being unfilial. Nevertheless, when the enemies of the Lotus Sūtra are one’s parents or the ruler of the country, it is an act of filial piety or patriotism to the country not to follow their directions. Therefore, ever since I encountered this sūtra I fearlessly upheld my faith in it even though my parents tried to restrain me by rubbing their hands together in prayer, my teacher disowned me, and the Kamakura Shogunate exiled me twice, indeed I was almost beheaded. Because my faith did not falter people in Japan are now beginning to believe I might be right. Besides me, Nichiren, who else in Japan has refused to follow the ruler of the country, parents, and teacher and still received heavenly blessings?

Ōshajō-ji, Town of Rājagṛha, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 6, Followers I, Page 128