Buddhist Significance of the Lotus Flower

In the Buddhism, the lotus is one of the eight Ashtamangala or Auspicious Symbols, signs of luck that appear frequently in Buddhist imagery. Buddhism emphasizes detaching oneself from the material world, following in the footsteps of the enlightened Bodhisattva. The lotus represents this detachment; it is a symbol of purity, an empty mind detached from all worldly affairs.

Facts

The lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, is a species of water plant known by a variety of names including the sacred lotus, bean of India and the Indian lotus, among other names. The flowers of the lotus plant grow and bloom between eight and 12 inches above the surface of the water; their leaves float atop while the roots can be found planted firmly in the soil below. The lotus is one of the few known plants that is able to regulate its temperature, just as warm-blooded mammals do. The seeds have been known last for thousands of years. It is the national flower of both India and Vietnam.

Significance

The lotus is one of the most significant and beautiful symbols of Buddhist teaching. In Sanskrit and in Tibetan, the word for lotus is padma. In most major Buddhist, Chinese, Hindu and Japanese deities are associated with a lotus. In Buddhist teachings, the lotus represents purity of mind and enlightenment. The pristine lotus flower, growing up from its roots within the mud, sits above the waters, free from detachment and desire. The flower has made the journey from the mud, which signifies materialism and worldly existence (samsara), through the waters of life, breaking to the surface, and blossoming into a pristine flower, thus achieving enlightenment. As the petals open to take in the sun's rays, the lotus reveals its purity and message to the world. It is a metaphor for the journey of the soul.

Types

Lotuses come in different colors, each of which has a distinct meaning. The white lotus signifies Bodhi a state of complete mental purity, of spiritual perfection. Within Tibetan Buddhism, the white lotus is associated with the White Tara, a savior-goddess, symbolizing universal compassion and virtue. The red lotus is associated with love---purity of the heart---and compassion---original nature. The red lotus is the flower of the Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The blue lotus symbolizes wisdom and is associated with Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Finally, the pink lotus is the supreme lotus, associated with the Great Buddha.

Iconography

In Buddhist iconography, the Buddha is often depicted either sitting on a lotus or holding one. A closed lotus blossom denotes the potential for enlightenment while an open flower signifies full enlightenment. According to legend, Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Great Buddha, was born able to walk and, with each step he took, lotus flowers bloomed. As the lotus does not grow in Tibet, Tibetan iconography depicts more stylized versions of the flower.

Geography

The lotus flower holds special significance for much of Asia. Since ancient times it has been a symbol of virtue and purity. However, the tradition of symbols has been preserved mainly in Tibetan Buddhism, practiced in the mountainous regions of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, and Japanese Shingon. These, in turn, relate to ancient India, where Buddhism originated.