Have you ever wondered what the lotus flower means? In Chinese, the lotus represents purity and growth, while in Hinduism, it stands for spiritual revelation and salvation. When most people think of a lotus flower, they might not stop to consider all the beauty behind its meaning; luckily, this blog article will explore some of these interpretations.
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Lotus Flower Symbolism In Eastern Cultures
The Lotus flower meaning in many eastern cultures and religions is a symbol of purity, self-regeneration, enlightenment, and rebirth. Even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower. A perfect metaphor for the human condition.
While the roots of the lotus flower grow in the mud, the flower itself blossoms and rises above the water.
Long before the beautiful lotus flower became an iconic symbol in Buddhism, it was cherished for its ability to create a beautiful flower from mud-soaked roots.
The Meaning of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism
The lotus flower is one of the symbols of fortune in Buddhism. Growing up in a muddy water environment gives the flower the meaning of rising and blooming above the murk to achieve enlightenment.
Buddha is often portrayed sitting on a lotus flower, showing that enlightenment is achieved when the flower opens its petals and blooms.
Other Buddhist symbols are pictured holding a lotus in their hands or standing with each foot on a lotus flower. Paintings of lotus flowers help to remind followers of beauty, life, and light, and help to understand enlightenment through their portrayal of beauty growing out of the mud.
Many ancient Buddhist culture texts speak of purity and lotus. Even though the bloom closes and sinks into the muddy water every night, in the morning it rises again untouched by the impurities that surrounded it.
It also rises higher above the water than any other flower, this trait gives the further flower the ability of man’s spirit to rise above suffering. The mud does not cling to the pure flower.
The lotus flower is a traditional yoga symbol and has been used by poets to inspire strength in adversity, seeking beauty in all things, and continuous progression towards enlightenment.
The Buddhist lotus flower symbolizes the mud the flower grows in. The mud is a symbol of the unpleasant state of our human lives. It shows the suffering that we want to escape from so we can bloom.
Just like the lotus flower needs to keep its roots and stem in the mud to survive, we cannot completely break free from our suffering. But we can show beauty and purity in the flowering above the water.
Lotus Flower Colors Symbolism
Lotus flower varies depending on colors that have different explanations, and these meanings are similar to traditional associations for the colors of flowers. A white lotus is a symbol of spiritual perfection, mental purity, and an individual’s peaceful nature. A blue lotus symbolizes enlightenment, wisdom, and knowledge.
- The blue lotus is only ever shown as partially open, with its center always hidden.
- The red lotus: Love, passion, and compassion.
- The pink lotus is the most highly esteemed, reserved for high deities.
- The rare purple lotus is the most mystic, being used only by a few sects of Buddhism with complex symbolism.
When the meaning of these colors is combined with the lotus flower in different stages of development, you begin to see the depth of representation that can be found in an artist’s rendering of a single colored flower.
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Conclusion
There are numerous lotus flower sacred meanings. There are many variations that represent specific aspects of Buddhism, but all flowers are in some way representative of the path to enlightenment. The lotus flower’s meaning can range from a calming, spiritual symbol to an embodiment of prosperity and good fortune. But no matter what your interpretation may be, the lotus is a beautiful symbol that gently graces our lives with peace and serenity.