Meaning of the Lotus Flower

 

      “As the lotus rises on its stalk unsoiled by the mud and water, so the wise one speaks of peace and is unstained by the opinions of the world.”                                                                                                              - Buddha

   Anybody who has ever seen a lotus flower growing and emerging from a dirty pond can't help but see the beauty and deeper meaning that this exquisite plant provides. From muddy water beauty emerges, and the lotus flower shall always rise above the mud. 

   The lotus always looks so clean and pure against the background of the dirty pond and that juxtaposition has led to powerful symbolism and integration of the lotus across many cultures and religions.

   This is such a great a symbolism for life as well, that trying times and difficult situations that are hard to navigate can ultimately lead to beautiful outcomes and help to grow into even better human beings.

In Buddhism the lotus is associated with purity, spiritual awakening and faithfulness. The flower is considered pure because it is able to emerge from murky waters in the morning and be perfectly clean.

 

   The breaking of the surface every morning is also suggestive of desire, this leads to it being associated with spiritual enlightenment.

   The mud represents an importance in the meaning of the lotus flower in Buddhism. All humans are born in a world where there is suffering. This suffering is a vital part of the human experience; it makes us stronger and teaches us to resist the temptation of evil.

    When we banish evil thoughts from our mind, we are able to break free of the muddy water and become one with the Buddha. The mud shows us who we are and teaches us to choose the right path over the easy one.