by Conscious Reminder
The lotus flower is a symbol of luck, as it miraculously grows in extremely murky conditions.
Its beauty and resilience have been revered by various countries and religions throughout the world.
Lotus’s History
The lotus’s history is long and rich, spanning several thousand years. They occur naturally in Australia and Southeast Asia. But Ancient Greek folklore, as well as ancient hieroglyphics in Egypt, mention them as well.
The imagery of southeast Asian Jainism and Buddhism shows them as well, which dates back to about 250 CE. Buddhist stupas, some dating back to 180 CE, also used lotuses. They were considered to be the support and source of the goddess, who would later be called Lakshmi.
The flower was popular among Indo-Grecian cultures. As such, it is difficult to pin down its first usage as an image. Presently, Vietnam and India’s national flower is the lotus.
The Lotus’s Religious And Spiritual Meaning
In Hinduism, lotus flowers represent the universe’s womb. It is from here that everything is born. It also stands for overcoming adversity.
Furthermore, the flowers grow only in extremely swampy areas. So it is a symbol of the concept that we can find perfect unity out of unrest, destruction, and ugliness.
The flower further stands for connection. As such, it is indirectly related to the soul of the universe, a Buddhist idea. Since it has clean petals while growing in murky waters, the lotus is also considered to represent transcendence, purity, liberation, and spiritual purification.
Feng Shui believes that the flower can be considered to embody a mandala, having an outward-expanding center point. All creation’s singular source is believed to be inside that center. It is believed that the lotus represents us – that we have all the wisdom inside us, and that the treasure/jewel is within us.
Different Lotus Varieties And What They Mean
White:
White lotuses are related to transcendence and purity. According to feng shui, the element of metal is related to white as well. This element has the power of cutting through obstacles.
Pink:
In Hinduism, pink is sometimes used in the company of deities. According to feng shui, pink, one of the softer colors, is related to inviting in feminine energy.
Red:
In Buddhism, the red lotus is related to the energy of fires. They symbolize expression, passion, and inspiration.
Blue:
The blue lotuses are never shown open. This special symbol is used by Mahayana Buddhists to show all being’s potential to realize the Buddha nature inherent to them. This nature can then “bloom” into complete bodhisattva-hood (that is to attain Nirvana).
Using The Lotus Symbol Respectfully
Draw Them:
Drawing the three stages of lotuses: a bud representing potential; mid-bloom, and a fully-bloomed lotus may have a meditative, relaxing ability.
Keep Their Images:
South-east Asian people often keep pictures of these flowers close to them. Many of them have gods in the company of the flower. The imagery reminds us that all of us can overcome all challenges to bring forth purity and brilliance.
Sit In The Pose Of The Lotus:
In Sanskrit, it is called the ‘padmasana’. It is a deep stretch that opens the hip. The pose involves sitting cross-legged while both feet rest above the thigh opposite to them. It is a great pose to balance the chakra of the root.
Plant Them:
Finally, introducing real lotuses is always welcome. If the appropriate climate is present, then it can be anywhere from inside the home to a garden outside.
In Conclusion
A flower without flaws that grows without any blemishes despite harsh surroundings has a lesson for everyone. The metaphor has been an inspiration for centuries of people. However the flower is worked with, we hope your life attains more beauty from it.
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