Myōshin, the lay nun ［妙心尼］ (n.d.) ( Myōshin-ama): A follower of Nichiren (1222–1282) who lived in Fuji District of Suruga Province, Japan. From the four extant letters sent to her by Nichiren, it appears that she maintained very pure faith in his teachings. Her husband, who is referred to as “the lay priest” in the letters, was troubled for a long time by some illness, which prompted him to practice sincerely. Regarding this, Nichiren states in one of those letters, titled The Good Medicine for All Ills: “Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way” (937). After her husband’s death, the lay nun Myōshin continued to send offerings frequently to Nichiren at Mount Minobu. One account identifies her as the wife of the lay priest Takahashi Rokurō Hyōe, and another as the wife of the lay priest of Nishiyama, both followers of Nichiren.