The lotus flower is widely used across many Hindu and Buddhist images
Growth, purity, birth – some of the terms that one correctly hears when learning about the dharmic symbolic importance of the lotus.
Flowers are widely used through all religious rituals and practices be it for wedding ceremonies, spiritual decor or many forms of blessings. The lotus stands out among these due to its symbolic significance within the religion of Buddhism and Hinduism.
Although, the lotus is commonly seen in Buddhist art and literature, it has been a religious symbol in Hindu culture much before the onset of Buddhism.
In Buddhism, the blooming lotus flower signifies different levels of enlightenment relative to how open a lotus is. A closed bud represents a time before enlightenment while a fully open lotus represents a time of enlightenment. A partly open lotus with the middle hidden means that enlightenment is far out of sight for anyone to reach at the given time.
The lotus flower can also characterize devotees levels of faith within themselves. In our chaotic human lives (represented by the muddy roots of the lotus) bombarded with troubles and hardships we seek to be free of pain and suffering. In the same way a lotus finds its way out of its muddy roots to bloom and break free from surrounding burdens holding it down. In order to rise above the mud (which is pure and necessary in human life) humanity must seek faith in themselves through devotion and practice of Buddhism or Hinduism. Thus not only does a lotus represent purity, growth, freedom and birth. It also represents faith.
In Hinduism, the sacred lotus represents prosperity, beauty, purity and fertility. It represents eternity, divinity and life. Humans should seek to be like lotuses by standing on their own when in search for liberation (moksha). They should look to stand without attachment, dedicating their actions to God and not being distracted by the materialism around them (represented by the mud and water).
The lotus also represents the highest level of consciousness when in search for enlightenment and purity. In the postures of hatha yoga, padmasana (the lotus position) is assumed by those determined to reach for the ultimate highest level of consciousness which can be found in the lotus chakra at the top of the head.
Another story in Hinduism tells that the lotus arouse from Lord Vishnu’s (The Preserver’s) naval in which Brahma (The Creator) sat. Brahma, Vishnu Shiva and many other Gods and Goddesses are associated with the lotus.
According to Hinduism, the Atman (soul or real self beyond ego) lives in the lotus which lies within the centre of the heart. The lotus is deep within your heart and deep within the lotus is the soul (Atman) which humans are in search of their entire life to achieve Moksha. It is so difficult to reach this part of your body and it is believed that it can only be reached through a higher consciousness free of all material wealth and earthly pleasures and distractions.
By Sucheta Rustagi