Letter to Priest Nichiro in Prison

Tomorrow, I am to leave for the province of Sado. In the cold tonight, I think of how it must be for you in prison, and feel pity for you. How admirable, that you have read the entirety of the Lotus Sutra with both body and mind! You will therefore be able to save your father and mother, your six kinds of relatives, and all living beings. Others read the Lotus Sutra with their mouths alone, reading only the words, but do not read it with their hearts. And even if they read it with their hearts, they do not read it with their actions. Praiseworthy indeed are those like you who read the sutra with both body and mind! The Lotus Sutra says [concerning one who reads this scripture]: "The young sons of the heavenly deities will attend and serve him. Swords and staves shall not touch him, and poison will have no power to harm him." Thus no injury will befall you. When you are released from prison, come to me quickly. I look forward eagerly to seeing you again.

With my deep respect,
Nichiren

The ninth day of the tenth month in the eighth year of Bun'ei (1271), cyclical sign kanoto-hitsuji

Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 5, page 127.