The theoretical section of the Lotus Sūtra consists of fourteen chapters, of which eight chapters (2-9) serve as the main discourse. At first glance, these eight chapters seem to be preached primarily for the two categories of Hinayāna sages called śrāvaka and pratyekabuddha and only secondarily for bodhisattvas and ordinary people. On careful examination, they seem primarily reserved for ordinary people after the death of Śākyamuni Buddha, in the Age of the True Dharma, that of the Semblance Dharma, and the Latter Age of Degeneration. These chapters are aimed especially at those people living in the beginning of the Latter Age of Degeneration.

QUESTION: What is your proof for that?

ANSWER: It is stated in the tenth chapter of the Lotus Sūtra, “The Teacher of the Dharma:” “This sūtra has aroused much hatred and jealousy even during the lifetime of the Buddha. How much more can this be expected after His death!” And in the eleventh chapter, “Appearance of the Stupa of Treasures:” “The Buddha of Many Treasures and Buddhas in manifestation (funjin Buddhas) from all the worlds in the universe gathered together to make this dharma live forever. (…) Buddhas in manifestation should remember My (Buddha’s) intention to keep on spreading the dharma forever.” You may find similar statements in the thirteenth chapter, “Encouragement for Upholding This Sūtra, and fourteenth chapter, “Peaceful Practices.” They show that the theoretical section of the Lotus Sūtra is directed to those in the beginning of the Latter Age.

Kanjin Honzon-shō, A Treatise Revealing the Spiritual Contemplation and the Most Verable One, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 2, Page 153