Myōhō, the lay nun ［妙法尼］ ( Myōhō-ama): Several of Nichiren’s (1222–1282) followers were called by this name. Myōhō means the Wonderful Law, or Mystic Law. Among the various individuals known as the lay nun Myōhō are: (1) A woman who lived in Okamiya in Suruga Province, who had lost her husband and elder brother. She had strong faith and received several letters from Nichiren, who apparently placed great trust in her. (2) The mother of Shijō Kingo, a samurai and a loyal follower of Nichiren. (3) The mother of the lay priest of Nakaoki who lived at Nakaoki on Sado Island. She converted to Nichiren’s teaching while he was in exile on Sado. (4) The paternal grandmother of Nichimoku; as the successor of Nikkō, Nichimoku inherited the lineage of Nichiren’s teaching.