The Lalitavistara says, “The spirit of the best of men is spotless like the lotus in the muddy water, which does not adhere to it”.
The lotus refers to the complete purification of body, speech and mind leading to supreme liberation. It refers to many aspects of the Dhamma, as it grows from the mud (samsara), up through muddy water. It appears clean and unstained by the mud on the surface (purification) and finally blossoms into a beautiful flower which refers to the enlightenment
The stem stands for the practice of Buddha’s teachings which raise the mind above the mud of worldly existence and give rise to the purity of mind.
This pattern of growth represents progress through walking on the path of Dhamma, Upliftment from the primordial swamp of materialism, through the waters of experience and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.
The root of the Lotus is still connected with the bottom of the swamp, similarly, Buddhas continue to act in the world for the benefit of others and do not simply escape the world and look down on others with detached amusement.
The open blossom signifies full enlightenment, while a closed blossom signifies the potential for enlightenment
The heart of beings is like an unopened lotus, when the virtue of the Buddha develops therein, the lotus blossoms, that is why the Buddha sits on a lotus bloom.
It is also one of Buddha’s best-recognized motifs and every important deity is associated in some way with the lotus, either being seated upon it or holding one in their hands
The colour of the lotus has important significance in Buddhist Symbolism:
White lotus (Tibetan: Pad ma dkar po):
This represents the state of total mental purity (Bodhi) and spiritual perfection. It generally has eight petals corresponding to the Noble Eightfold Path of the Dhamma. It is associated with White Tara and refers to her perfect nature.
Red lotus (Tibetan: Pad ma chu skyes)
This signifies the original nature and purity of the heart (hrdaya). This is the lotus of love, compassion, passion, activity and all the qualities of the heart. It is the lotus of Avalokitesvara.
Blue lotus (Tibetan: Ut pa la)
This is the symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. It is the lotus of Manjushri, It is also one of the attributes of Prajnaparamita, the 'Perfection of wisdom or insight’.
Pink lotus (Tibetan: Pad ma dmar po)
This is the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity. This is associated with the Gautama Buddha himself.
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22 сен 2022
