Nichiren now elucidates that the teachings of the Lotus Sutra were in fact well known throughout the history of propagation from Shakyamuni's time through Nagarjuna, and later Vasubandhu, Tien-Tai Chi Che and Miao-Lo, and Dengyo. The difference was in the exposure and spread of the teaching to the laity and common people. whose time was not yet prepared or ready for the depth of the Lotus Sutra teachings or method.