The lion king is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for [your daughter's] protection, Nichiren was like the lion king. This is what the sutra means by "the power [of the Buddhas] that has the lion's ferocity." Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,

Reply to Kyo'o

Written Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273 11/1

Shijo Kingo is one of the very few whose action match their will

The present age has developed exactly as the Buddha predicted it would, and Nichiren may be the person of wisdom whom the Buddha described. Though some people wish to help me, either their determination is weak, or, though firmly resolved, they are unable to act on their intentions. Thus, you are one of the very few whose action match their will. You surpass others in your resolve, and it is because of your devoted support that I have been able to survive. 13/10

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Propagation by the Wise
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 6, 1276

Fulfilling the Buddha's words

I do not know whether these trials equal or surpass those of the Buddha. Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, T'ien-t'ai, and Dengyo, however, cannot compare with me in what they suffered. Had it not been for the advent of Nichiren in the Latter Day of the Law, the Buddha would have been a teller of great lies, and the testimony given by Many Treasures and by the Buddhas of the ten directions would have been false. In the 2,230 and more years since the Buddha's passing, Nichiren is the only person in the entire land of Jambudvipa who has fulfilled the Buddha's words. 1/10

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279)

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?

The lion king is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for [your daughter's] protection, Nichiren was like the lion king. This is what the sutra means by "the power [of the Buddhas] that has the lion's ferocity." Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,
Reply to Kyo'o
Written Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273 11/1