People in Japan have rejected my proposal to save the country from destruction although I have committed no sin. Moreover, they struck me in the face with the fifth fascicle of the Lotus Sūtra, in which it is preached that a practicer of the Lotus Sūtra will be persecuted with swords, sticks, and pieces of bricks and stones. This was witnessed by the King of the Brahma Heaven and Indra. Great Hachiman Bodhisattva of Kamakura also observed the incident.

In any event, I feel hopeless in this decadent world today and have entered deep in this mountain. I feel truly sorry for my followers, but I am powerless to help you though I am praying to the Lotus Sūtra day and night. Please be resolved in your strong faith and pray with all your might. If your prayer is not answered, it is not due to the power of my prayer. It depends on the seriousness of your faith.

Nanjō-dono Gohenji, Reply to Lord Nanjō, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 7, Followers II, Pages 21