This is important because the lotus is often confused with the water lily of which there is a species called Nymphaea lotus —to truly complicate things! The lotus—national flower of both Vietnam and India—is NOT a lily, despite misconception and indiscriminate historical references.
So how do you tell a water lily and a lotus flower apart? Here are a few pointers:. The self-cleaning ability of the lotus was evidently observed by early Buddhists, who marvelled at the ability of a plant that rises from the mud to remain clean as a whistle—it is simple to see how the lotus came to symbolise purity.
The lotus is also a metaphor for enlightenment in Buddhism, which teaches that we are all born into a world of suffering, and to rise above the chaos with a pure spirit is the ultimate achievement.
The white lotus stands for purity of spirit and mind. Buddhism and Hinduism both originated in India, so there are some similarities in the symbolism of the lotus between the two religions. Along with Vishnu, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is frequently portrayed on a pink lotus pedestal. Sarasvati, the goddess of knowledge, music, arts and learning, is also commonly depicted on a white lotus. This is the energy centre located four finger-breadths above the crown of the head in yogic, tantric and Hindu tradition—and is represented by a lotus symbol.
The lotus is not native to Egypt and most references to the flower are actually to the lily. The blue lotus again truly a lily , is prominent in Egyptian art.
Ancient Egyptians misunderstood the blooming process of the plant and thought that the flower withdrew into the water at night, therefore, the flower came to represent the sun and common theme of rebirth.
The sacred lotus N. Upon observation of the lotus in the Chenab River, a tributary of the Indus River, Alexander thought he had discovered the headwaters of the Nile.
Being a superstar to the masses is not just about standing up tall, having a beautiful flower and being able to satisfy a hungry stomach. The lotus or Padma in traditional Sanskrit also possesses truly remarkable physiology, such as seeds that remain viable for up to and beyond years.
However, it is worth noting that the lotus flower is not commonly used as a Sikh symbol today. The lotus is not a main religious symbol of Jainism, a faith centered around self-help, but it is an identifying symbol for some Jains.
The blue lotus is the symbol of Nami, the 21 st Jain. A red lotus represents the 6 th Jain, Padmaprabha. The lotus flower naturally comes in a variety of colors. While the Hindu religion mainly uses the white lotus in its depictions, Buddhism uses a range of lotus colors, each with its symbolic meaning. Today the lotus remains one of the most popular symbols in jewelry and fashion.
The image can be stylized and represented in many ways, including as an open bloom or a closed bud. The lotus symbol is also popular in tattoos and clothing. The lotus flower is a beautiful, powerful symbol. The many meanings and religious connections of the lotus make it an excellent choice for artwork, jewelry, clothing and as a decorative motif.
While the symbolism of the lotus is rooted in several religions, the symbol has transcended this to become universal and can be sported by anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation. After all, no one can lay claim to the lotus, one of the most beautiful and symbolically rich flowers of the natural world. Tags: Buddhism plant. Affiliate Disclosures. See This Here Amazon.
Last update was on: November 11, pm. Save Saved Removed 1. Previous Unalome Meaning and Symbolism with Images. Next Seal of Solomon — Symbolism and Importance. Related Articles. Added to wishlist Removed from wishlist 1. History of the lotus flower. What it means in spirituality and religion.
Different types of lotus flowers and their meaning:. White: According to Cho and Vose, a white lotus flower is associated with purity, as well as transcendence. In feng shui , white is also linked with the metal element, which has the ability to "cut through" obstacles.
Pink: Vose notes pink or pink-tipped lotuses sometimes accompany deities in Hindu imagery. Cho adds that, in feng shui, pink is also seen as a softer color that's associated with inviting feminine energy. Flowers of this color symbolize inspiration, passion, and expression.
Blue: Vose notes that the blue lotus Nilotpala , which is always shown closed, "is a special symbol for Mahayana Buddhists to describe the potential of beings to realize their inherent Buddha-nature, which can then 'blossom' into full bodhisattva-hood. How to use this symbol respectfully. Draw them. Keep images of them. Sit in lotus pose. Plant them. The bottom line. More On This Topic Spirituality.
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