Lotus Flower Symbolism
Lotus is one of the most delicate and beautiful flowers. Due to its quality to bloom in spite of unfavorable conditions, lotus is regarded as a source of motivation. To know the different meanings of lotus, read this article on lotus flower symbolism.
Lotus is one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. It is regarded as a symbol of beauty throughout the world. This is not just because of its vibrant colors but also because of its quality to bloom beautifully in muddy water. The lotus plant originated in parts of Middle East and Asia. The symbolization of a lotus flower is different in different cultures, however all of them are associated with the life cycle of the lotus flower. Lotus flower has also been a source of inspiration to poets, there are number of poetry types which use lotus for motivation, mostly in the form of a metaphor.
Lotus Flower Symbolization in Various Religions
Symbolism in Hinduism
Lotus flower has spiritual as well as religious significance in the Hindu religion. Hinduism regards lotus as the symbol of youth, beauty and life. These meanings are quite common, but did you know that one of the lotus flower meanings is non-attachment? This symbolization is based on the characteristic of the lotus flower itself. As we all know lotus flower grows in muddy water, but in spite of growing in dust and filth, the flower never has even a drop of mud on it. Hindu religion regards this as the symbol of aloofness, this symbolization can be seen quoted in the following stanza of Bhagavad Gita, the holy book of Hindus.
"One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water."
Bhagavad Gita 5.10.
It must be clear from the above stanza that like the lotus flower, whoever does his duty without expecting any rewards, by leaving the results in God's hand is never effected by the results of sinful actions.
Lotus also has great importance in the religious aspects of Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Brahma emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu, sitting on a lotus. Goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth is always shown with a lotus flower, and that is the reason why lotus is included in the major ceremonies regarding Goddess Lakshmi. As the lotus is unaffected by its dirty surroundings, one should also grow spiritually and do only the right things, in spite of the bad forces present in the surroundings.
Symbolism in Buddhism
According to Buddhism, lotus stands for purity, spontaneity and beauty. In many paintings Lord Buddha is portrayed to be seated on the lotus. Though lotus grows in muddy water, it grows beautiful and brings a smile on anyone's face who sees it. Just like the lotus one should try to smile in unfavorable conditions and try to make others' life beautiful. In Buddhism, every flower color has a different symbolization. Let's take a look at it.
White Lotus: White lotus stands for purity of mind and spiritual perfection. The white lotus is generally shown having eight petals just as the eight-fold laid by Gautama Buddha. White lotus flower is also regarded as one of the four noble truths.
Red Lotus: Red lotus is also a symbol of purity, but purity of the heart. It is regarded as a symbol of passion, love and compassion, which are the obviously the qualities of the heart.
Blue Lotus: Blue lotus is a symbol of victory, victory over the senses. It signifies knowledge and wisdom.
Pink Lotus: Pink lotus stands for Lord Buddha itself and as it stands for Lord Buddha, it automatically stands for Lord Buddha's teachings also.
This was all about lotus flower symbolization. So as a conclusion, I would say that lotus is truly a magnificent flower, not due to its colors or size, but also because of its symbolization!
Girija Shinde
