The Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma is compared to a lotus flower. The māndāra flower in the heavenly realm and the cherry blossoms in the human world represent happiness. However, the Buddha doesn’t use them as symbols of the Lotus Sūtra. There is a reason why the Buddha chose this flower (the lotus) over all the flowers in the world to represent the Lotus Sūtra.

Some plants have flowers that bloom before bearing fruit, while others bear fruit before flowering. Some produce many fruits from a single flower, while others though having many flowers produce only one fruit, while still others have fruit without any flowers. But only the lotus flower bears fruit and a flower at the same time.

It is said that the merit of all the Buddhist scriptures (except the Lotus Sūtra) is found in the promise that men can become Buddhas after they have done good deeds, which means the attainment of Buddhahood is not certain. In the case of the Lotus Sūtra, however, when one touches it, one’s hands immediately become Buddhas, and when one chants it, one’s mouth instantly becomes a Buddha. For example, when the moon rises above the eastern mountain, its reflection immediately shows on the water. Sound and resonance also occur simultaneously. It is written (in the Lotus Sūtra) that one who listens to the Lotus Sūtra will never fail to attain Buddhahood. The meaning of this passage is that whether there be a hundred, or even a thousand people, all those who believe in this sūtra (the Lotus Sūtra) attain Buddhahood.

Ueno-dono Gozen Gohenji, Reply to My Lady, the Nun of Ueno, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Followers II, Volume 7, Page 58-59