[W]e should realize the sequence of spreading the Dharma. In a country where Buddhism has not yet been transmitted, there are people who have never heard the Buddha’s teachings. In a country where Buddhism has spread, there are people who believe in the teachings. We should be aware of the teachings previously spread, then spread the teaching that is one level above it.

If Hinayāna or provisional Mahāyāna teachings have previously been taught, true Mahāyāna teaching should be spread. If the true Mahāyāna teaching has been taught, neither Hinayāna nor provisional Mahāyāna should be spread. We should abandon the rubble and pick up the golden gem. Do not give up the golden gem to get pieces of tile and pebbles.

Kyō Ki Ji Koku Shō, Treatise on the Teaching, Capacity, Time and Country, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 3, Page 100