They say when the roots of a tree grow deep in the soil, the branches of the tree flourish; and that when the source of water extends into the distance, the river covers a long distance. All the Buddhist sūtras are shallow-rooted and cover only a short distance. However, the Lotus Sūtra is deep-rooted and its source is afar. Therefore, Grand Master T’ien-t’ai states that the Lotus Sūtra not only prospers during the lifetime of Śākyamuni Buddha but will also be transmitted and spread into the Latter Age of Degeneration.

Shijō Kingo-dono Gohenji, Response to Lord Shijō Kingo, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Followers I, Volume 6, Page 151