Chapter 26 teaches incantations (dharani) for the protection of the followers of the Lotus Sutra. The word dharani is translated into Japanese as “remembering all” (for the power of maintaining everything in memory), as “ability to hold” (for firmly keeping good teachings), and as “ability to block” (for firmly insulating oneself from bad teachings). Dharani, regarded as having efficacious power, are a kind of incantation, and are products of esoteric Buddhist thought.

The name “Mother of Demon Children” appears in this chapter. She swears to try to protect the followers of the Lotus Sutra. According to legend, she was originally a demon who snatched children and ate them, but after being admonished by the Buddha was transformed into a deity who protected children. The appearance of the name in this chapter provided an opportunity for faith in Mother of Demon Children to become popular within the Nichiren school.

If anyone resists our incantations
And makes trouble for a Dharma preacher,
Their heads will split into seven pieces. …

Good, good, if you can protect those who receive and keep even the name of the Dharma Flower Sutra, your blessings will be immeasurable.

People have often recited passages such as these. These phrases, the dharani, and Mother of Demons were all used to promote a kind of faith that is beneficial for combating calamity and inviting good fortune in this world.