The Sacred Lotus in Buddhism: An Essential Guide to Its Spiritual Symbolism
In this guide, we’ll take you through the fundamentals of lotus flower meaning in Buddhism. Lotus flowers are vital in Buddhist symbolism representing spiritual awakening, purity, and faithfulness. This belief is rooted in that lotus flowers emerge from muddy waters. For Buddhism, that means rising above despite the challenges and moving towards the light of wisdom.
What Does the Lotus Symbolize in Buddhism? Key Takeaways
Lotus flowers play a vital role in Buddhism. They generally represent spiritual awakening, purity, and faithfulness. This belief is rooted in that lotus flowers emerge from muddy waters. For Buddhism, that means rising above despite the challenges and moving towards the light of wisdom.
History and Origins
According to Buddhist legends, the lotus flower bloomed wherever the baby Buddha stepped. This is dialogued in the Lotus Sutra, part of the Buddhist publications taught for centuries.
Buddhist schools teach that each stage of the lotus flower’s growth is significant to the path of enlightenment. It’s believed that when a lotus bud is fully opened, the person has been fully enlightened. When it’s partially open with the center hidden, it means there is a possibility of enlightenment that is still beyond reach. When the bud is closed, it signifies the time before the person is enlightened.
What Does the Lotus Flower Symbolize in Buddhism?
In Buddhism, the lotus flower symbolizes the purity of body, mind, and speech. While the plant’s roots lie far in the bottom of pond mud, the flower sits at the very top, at the water’s surface.
Despite its roots being embedded in murky mud, the lotus flower is believed to help the spirit become pure in Buddhism. Individuals who practice Buddhist meditation use lotus flowers as a means to purify the body and spirit. Students are instructed to deeply inhale and exhale while concentrating on the center of their chests and imagining the lotus flower unfolding.
Buddhism also believes that the lotus flower represents fortune. It’s believed that people who wear jewelry with a spiritual nature, such as depictions or shapes of the lotus flower, will be lucky.
The mud in which the lotus plant’s roots also have symbolic value in Buddhist teachings. It represents human life and its many imperfections as people yearn to become free from their daily burdens.
At the same time, human life is parallel to the lotus in terms of being rooted while retaining purity, enlightenment, and faith. Faith relates to the lotus flower and humankind rising above the mud.
Lotus Flower Colors and Their Meaning
In Buddhism, the symbolism of a lotus flower also differs depending on its color.
For instance, a blue lotus flower symbolizes a spirit’s victory over knowledge and wisdom.
White lotuses signify peace and purity, while red lotuses, much like other types of red flowers, mean love and compassion.
Purple lotus flowers have deeper symbolic meanings, as their petals represent the Noble Eightfold Path, an important teaching of Buddha.
The pink lotus flower, however, gives an essential sense in Buddhism. It is regarded as the “true lotus” and the primary color of the flower.
How Else is the Lotus Flower Used as a Symbol in Buddhism?
According to Buddhist teachings, the lotus flower is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols.
Before Buddha’s birth, the legend states that his mother, Queen Maya, dreamed about a white elephant carrying a white lotus in its trunk. This symbolizes that, despite the lotus plant being rooted in mud, its blossom sits above the water while exposed to the sun so it can bloom and open. It represents enlightenment and the true nature of all beings.
The lotus flower even has significance for meditation and yoga poses. During meditation, one assumes the lotus position by folding one leg over the other so that the right foot rests against the left thigh and the left foot rests against the right thigh.
Wrap Up
The lotus flower’s beauty goes beyond its aesthetics. This sacred flower, which represents spiritual awakening, purity, and faithfulness, is a pedestal for divine figures in Buddhist art.
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