Renge means “Lotus Flower,” … The lotus flower is rich in symbolism within Buddhism. In Nichiren Buddhism, two aspects are particularly emphasized. The first is the unification of cause and effect, the simultaneous nature of the aspiration for enlightenment and its realization. The lotus flower symbolizes this because it produces flowers and seeds at the same time. By chanting the Odaimoku, we express both the aspiration for enlightenment – the seed of awakening to the Wonderful Dharma – and also our awakened devotion to the Wonderful Dharma – the flowering of enlightenment. The second aspect is the undefiled flowering of enlightenment arising out of the defilements of ordinary life that are transformed by the power of Buddhist practice. In the same way, lotus flowers blossom untainted above the mud and water from which they draw their nourishment. Because it illustrates these two key principles, the lotus flower is a particularly important symbol for Nichiren Buddhists.