When I read all the Buddhist scriptures other than the Lotus Sūtra, they leave me without the slightest desire to become a woman. A certain sūtra declares that the woman is a messenger of hell, another sūtra preaches that she is a poisonous snake, one sūtra says that she is like a curved tree, while another sūtra preaches that her seed of Buddhahood has been scorched.

Degrading women is not only found in Buddhist scriptures but also in non-Buddhist scriptures. A man named Yung Ch’i-ch’i in ancient China celebrated the three comforts of life, listing not having been born female in heaven and earth as one of the three.

Moreover, it is said in China the source of misfortune lies with three women (who corrupted the three rulers of ancient China). However, it is preached in the Lotus Sūtra, “A woman who upholds this sūtra is not only superior to all other women but surpasses all men.”

A woman should be satisfied when the man she loves feels compassion for her, even if others slander her. Likewise, it matters little if people despise you, so long as Śākyamuni Buddha, the Buddha of Many Treasures, as well as the Buddhas of manifestation in the worlds throughout the universe, the King of the Brahma Heaven, Indra, Sun Deity and Moon Deity look after you, how could you be in pain! As long as the Lotus Sūtra praises you, there is no reason to feel ashamed!

Shijō Kingo-dono Nyōbō Gohenji, A Reply to the Wife of Lord Shijō Kingo, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 7, Followers II, Pages 121