renge

Renge is a Japanese term meaning lotus flower, written with the characters 蓮華. In religious and cultural contexts, renge is most often associated with the Lotus Sutra and with Buddhist symbolism.

In Buddhism, renge refers to the lotus flower as a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening. The Lotus Sutra, known in Japanese as Hokke-kyō, plays a central role in several schools, and the term appears in the religious practice Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō, a core chant in Nichiren Buddhism. The phrase emphasizes reverence for the Lotus Sutra and the transformative potential of Its teachings. The lotus figure is commonly used to illustrate how enlightenment can emerge from difficult conditions, just as a lotus flower rises clean and bright from muddy waters.

Etymology and readings: renge is formed from the kanji 蓮 (ren) meaning lotus and 華 (ge) meaning flower. In Chinese, the corresponding term is liánhuā. The reading renge is the Japanese form used in religious and literary contexts.

Usage in names and places: In Japan, renge appears in place names and in the names of temples. Renge-ji (蓮華寺) is the name of several Buddhist temples across the country, reflecting the widespread association of the lotus with Buddhist symbolism. The term can also appear as a component in personal names, especially in religious or traditional contexts.

Symbolism and cultural context: The lotus is a common motif in East Asian art, architecture, and literature, where it signifies purity, resilience, and spiritual growth. As a term, renge is thus closely tied to these associations through its religious usage and its presence in place names.