What is it about the lotus flower that makes it so special? This plant has been steeped in symbolism since ancient time. Have you heard the saying, “As above so below?” There are different meanings and ways to interrupt this and I found the most common explanation represents heaven and earth / day and night. The phrase sums up this mystical flower in a nutshell.
The lotus flower’s roots dig deep into the mud and out of the muck emerges a beautiful flower. Come nightfall, the flower submerges back into the murky water below and the cycle continues the next day. As if by magic, the flower re-blooms without a trace of muddy residue due to a waxy coating on its petals.
The murky water symbolizes the trials and tribulations we humans encounter on planet earth. In finding the strength and perseverance to rise above our challenges, we become our true selves and bloom into the beautiful flower we came here to be.
The lotus is considered to be sacred and its spiritual symbolism has been revered in ancient cultures for thousands of years. The references are similar and the main meanings are: Spiritual awakening, rebirth, creation, purity and eternity.
Hinduism: The lotus is considered sacred and represents prosperity, eternity, divinity, purity and the unfolding petals represent the soul’s expansion. There’s even a temple in New Delhi in the shape of a lotus flower.
The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India
Buddhism: The lotus represents a symbol of fortune, enlightenment and purity.
It rises above the muck to achieve enlightenment and is often used as a reference for a person’s spiritual path.
Lotus Colors:
White: This color is symbolic in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The white lotus symbolizes purity of the mind and spirit. Being awakened and spiritual perfection.
Red: This lotus has strong connections to the heart and symbolizes a heart that’s pure, full of love and compassion
Pink: Epitomizes the very essence of the Buddha in Buddhism and therefore, pink is regraded to be the supreme lotus color.
Blue: The blue lotus is actually a water lily and was sacred to the ancient Egyptians. It was associated with creation, the sun, rebirth and is depicted in ancient carvings and paintings. It’s been dubbed the “Egyptian Dream Flower,” because the leaves have hallucinogenic properties and were used in social and spiritual rituals.
In Buddhism, it represents the victory of spirit, perfection of wisdom and spiritual freedom.
Purple: Symbolizes mysticism, spirituality and is the rarest of lotus colors. It usually has eight petals and represents the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path to self-awakening.
Gold or Yellow: A symbol of achieving complete and total enlightenment and often represents the Buddha.
I had fun learning more about this fascinating flower and I hope you did it too!
So be like the lotus and “don’t be a stick in the mud.” Get out there and be amazing. 🙂
Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.
