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Barbara O'Brien

Buddhist Symbols: The Lotus

By , About.com GuideFebruary 27, 2008

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white lotusThe lotus is rooted in deep mud and its stem grows through murky water. But the blossom rises above the muck and opens in the sun, beautiful and fragrant. In Buddhism, the lotus represents the true nature of beings, who rise through samsara into the beauty and clarity of enlightenment.

The lotus is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols that permeate Buddhist art. Buddhas and bodhisattvas are often pictured sitting on a lotus or holding a lotus.

An unopened lotus flower represents the heart of a being before the virtue of the Buddha causes it to open and bloom. The color of the lotus also has significance:

  • White: Mental and spiritual purity
  • Red: The heart, compassion and love
  • Blue: Wisdom and control of the senses
  • Pink: The historical Buddha
  • Purple: Mysticism
  • Photo Credit: © 石 山 | Dreamstime.com

    Comments
    February 21, 2010 at 1:24 pm
    (1) jennifer says:

    thats interesting, thank you are pink lotus flowers common?

    July 24, 2011 at 6:02 am
    (2) Ruchika says:

    thanks
    It’s interesting, it is very usefull for me….. I am the student of M.Phil Drawing & painting…… Thanks for this matter

    March 10, 2012 at 5:50 am
    (3) Ning says:

    Thanks You. I’m doing a project on the lotus flower and this is really helpful

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