{"id":12249,"date":"2020-01-13T09:53:24","date_gmt":"2020-01-13T09:53:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/?p=12249"},"modified":"2022-08-05T10:55:54","modified_gmt":"2022-08-05T10:55:54","slug":"the-symbolic-meaning-of-the-lotus-flower-in-buddhism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/the-symbolic-meaning-of-the-lotus-flower-in-buddhism\/","title":{"rendered":"The Symbolic Meaning of The Lotus Flower"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The lotus flower is the most distinguished and recognisable symbol of Buddhism (and Hinduism). You will find it in every temple, pagoda and monument, both open, closed and in different colours. But what does the symbolic meaning of the lotus flower mean in Buddhism and Hinduism? (They’re the same).<\/h3>\n\n\n
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When I was in South-East Asia gathering material for my book, In Search for Truth<\/em>, it became apparent that orthodox Buddhists do not know the true meaning of the lotus flower \u2013 they only know the partial truths told to them by the organised Buddhist institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the other seven symbolic codes in the catalogue of eight auspicious symbols<\/a> promulgated by Buddhism, the interpretation behind the meaning of the lotus is perhaps as close to the truth as you can expect from organised religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officially, the symbolic meaning of the lotus flower represents the purification of the mind and heart and the development of wisdom \u2013 virtues man must develop in order to attain enlightenment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lotus flower reflects human consciousness and experience, from the muddy roots of base consciousness to the higher realms of divine awareness. It symbolises the journey of man\u2019s development and our quest for enlightenment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Origins of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The symbol of the lotus flower was adopted by Buddhism from the Hindu religion. It is also prominent in Egyptian iconography where it is denoted as a symbol of rebirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In essence, the deeper symbolic meaning of the lotus flower is the continuous rebirth of our conscious awareness that helps us reach enlightenment, which the lotus flower is indicative of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The roots of the flower remain in the mud at the bottom of the water, our unconscious mind. But as the stem finds its way through the murky waters, it eventually reaches the surface where it has the potential to blossom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The roots in the mud reflect our base desires, the defilements of materialism which develop in our innocent mind as children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Murky underwater is the subconscious mind, the Sigmund Freud\u2019s \u2018id\u2019<\/a> that drives us with desires that lead to suffering. This is the dark, demonic side of our nature that leads us astray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The growth of the stem through the water is reflective of our everyday lives and the experiences we have. Sometimes the waters are dirty and unclear, other times they are clean and pure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lotus bud that appears on the surface is the conscious mind. From here, we have the potential for enlightenment. Through self-understanding, we will purify the heart and mind \u2013 thus blossom like Buddha\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026otherwise we stay rooted in the mud, below the water with only our basic instincts to survive with. Ultimately, we fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At night, the lotus flower closes and slips back under the water. When we sleep we also slip into our subconscious mind. The flower resurfaces in the day, clean and pure to bask in the sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The closed petals of the lotus flower represent the potential for personal growth<\/a>, an opportunity to reach enlightenment. The open petals represent full enlightenment. The eight petals of the lotus flower are symbolic of higher consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This should be the goal of all human beings. Strive to reach the highest state of consciousness through personal development and spiritual growth and become a success\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026otherwise, stay rooted in the mud below the murky waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do the Colours of Lotus Flowers Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The overall symbolic meaning of lotus flowers is to purify the mind and attain spiritual enlightenment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the lotus flower has multifaceted meanings, which are broken into fragments so they can be better understood by initiates. To help explain the concept behind the lotus flower, Buddhists determine the meanings by colour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

White Lotus Petals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

White represents purity of body and mind. The Buddha says to attain Nirvana, you must cultivate good deeds, abstain from evil and purify the mind through the practice of Dharma. This is explained by the concepts of the Noble Eightfold Path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gautama Buddha<\/a> says the cause of human suffering stems from desire and the ignorance of what is real and what is unreal. If we only look at the world from external projections, we only see the illusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So What is Meant by Illusion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we mature from childhood into adolescence, we develop cravings and desires which we ultimately carry into adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But these desires are perceptions of external forces. They are typically things we think we need rather than what we actually need. This is because the unconscious mind is programmed for us to desire that which we do not have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Buddhism, desires are considered defilements of the mind, and the materialistic world of consumerism we are trapped in plays on our basic instincts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The challenge for mankind is to overcome the unconscious mind that harbours base instincts and connect with the higher self that exposes the truth \u2013 that which we need, rather than what we want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through self-analysis, you will emerge from the muddy roots of this fabricated world, and find your way through the murky waters of society until you reach the surface and in the glory of the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How much better do you physically and emotionally feel in natural sunlight?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is what the symbolic meaning of the lotus flower teaches us. And the white lotus flowers gives us that first step. Refrain from wanting and you will cease to suffer. When you do not suffer, you will thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rid yourself of arrogance, hypocrisy, hate, anger, conceit, vanity and every other negative emotion. Purify the mind and take control of your true nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red Lotus Petals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The red lotus relates to the positive qualities of the heart, the need for us to offer love and compassion, but also the openness to receive it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dalai Lama says love and compassion for others is the key to finding happiness in your own life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst this is true, you cannot love others appropriately unless you love yourself. Most people already have more compassion for others than they do for themselves\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026would you criticise a friend like you criticise yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until you find inner-happiness you carry negative energies which can lead to negative emotions, thoughts and actions. It is these negative energies that you aim at strangers, either privately or vocally.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes you may even direct these negative to lovers that upset you. How many times have you said something you regret or didn\u2019t really mean in the heat of an argument?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original Buddha said, \u201cUntil you love yourself, you will not value your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you learn to love yourself, you develop self-esteem and confidence around others. Find peace on the inside, and you attract peace on the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The heart is intrinsically connected with the mind, our emotions govern the mind, but our mind confuses our emotions. The red lotus signifies mastery over both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have purified the mind, the qualities of the heart are easier to develop \u2013 principally because we no longer having cravings for things we don\u2019t have, but find contentment in the things we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without feeling the effects of suffering caused by desire, the heart opens so love and compassion can flourish \u2013 both for yourself and towards others. And this is how to cultivate satisfaction and happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pink Lotus Petals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pink lotus is considered to be the Supreme flower, representing creation, purity and the attainment of full enlightenment. It is the colour lotus most associated with Buddha who is often pictured seated on one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hinduism also reveres the pink lotus as the most sacred and is associated with Lakshmi, consort of Vishnu and goddess of wealth, prosperity and good fortune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus we find is the symbolism of the pink lotus, the rewards all other lotus flowers represent. By learning to detach ourselves from the material world, we find purity, love and wisdom \u2013 the qualities Lakshmi and all Buddhas embody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Lotus Petals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The blue lotus represents wisdom and the mastery of mind over matter. The ability to take control of your mind comes from self-observation and self-assessment through meditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this point, it is worth pointing out, that when I say meditation, I do not necessarily mean sitting in a crossed-legged posture \u2013 known in Buddhism as the lotus position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meditation is a form of concentration, one-pointed focus whereby you ask yourself a question and \u201cmeditate\u201d on the subject of your question. Whenever you do this, it is possible to connect with your higher-self that holds all true knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is through self-knowledge that we discover our true nature \u2013 that we are all Buddhas, enlightened beings connected at source. Learn to connect to the source, the blue lotus, and you will always receive the answers you need to resolve problems and make decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purple Lotus Flower<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The purple lotus is typically only found in esoteric sects, thus not prominent within mainstream Buddhism despite the esoteric wisdom kept within the confines of this organised religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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That the purple lotus flower is associated with royalty, it would appear to have similar values to the meaning of the pink lotus in mainstream Buddhism. As an esoteric value, there may be some association with the alchemical marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kings and Queens have traditionally been represented in esoteric symbolism to represent the mind (King) and the heart (Queen.) It is when mind and heart are brought together in a harmonic balance that we become the architects of creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ancient alchemists called the union of thought and emotion the alchemical wedding, the bond between the male qualities of our personality \u2013 analysis \u2013 and the female qualities of our personalities \u2013 love and compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lotus flower in Buddhism essentially embodies everything we must strive towards in order to discover the Buddha within us, the divine wisdom we are born with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, as the Dalai Lama says, \u201cthe purpose of life is to be happy,\u201d we must learn to connect with the source of all knowledge and unconditional love. Use the deeper symbolic meaning of the lotus flower as your guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to know how ancient symbolism can help you succeed in life?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to understand the secret language of esoteric symbolism? Team up with Master Mind Content and learn the art of self-development with one of our insightful Symbolism Courses. You will learn what esoteric symbols really mean and how you can use this powerful tool to make decisions with confidence and improve your quality of life.<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The lotus flower is the most distinguished and recognisable symbol of Buddhism (and Hinduism)….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1453,"featured_media":12250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,48],"tags":[111,56,115,116],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12249"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1453"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12249"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17978,"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12249\/revisions\/17978"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}