For centuries, the lotus flower has been revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism as a sacred promise from birth in mud to growth through time – indeed the entire lotus plant is considered holy by Buddhists. Flowers have long been used as symbols of purity and spiritual perfection. The lotus flower has long been used as inspiration in paintings and sculptures as well as being featured as a design motif in furniture and decor items. The lotus represents renewal and rebirth as it rises from its murky roots, rises above water’s surface and blooms with bright, clear light. This represents how human souls emerge from materialism and ignorance into enlightenment and higher consciousness.
Buddhism recognizes four types of lotuses:
- white
- pink
- redÂ
- blue
Each color symbolizes an aspect of Buddha’s teachings:
- white for mental purity and spiritual perfection;
- red for love and compassion;
- blue for wisdom and intelligence;
- gold enlightenment itself – along with partial opening or closing of petals to symbolize various stages on the path toward it.
One important symbolism of the lotus is its seed pod, often depicted as an empty receptacle similar to a watering can. This symbolizes Buddha’s teachings on attaining Nirvana through practice of the Noble Eightfold Path and can even contain a jewel symbolizing skillful means to achieve enlightenment.
A Symbol of Rebirth
Lotus seeds have long been regarded as a symbol of rebirth. Each year, lotuses produce hundreds or even thousands of seeds which either float to the surface and are eaten by wildlife or sink to the muddy bottom and remain dormant until conditions allow growth. Above-water lotus are symbolic of intelligence and creativity and will eventually come into bloom; while underwater lotus require time to understand things before emerging as fully fledged blooming buds – eventually though.
Nelumbo nucifera is native to Asia
Nelumbo nucifera, native to Asia and parts of Australia, is by far the most beloved lotus species; however, two other living lotus species – Nelumbo lutea and Nelumbo niviformis – also hold religious significance; Nelumbo niviformis, found natively throughout North and Central America and not as large than its Asian counterpart can reach heights over 10 feet! Used extensively as inspiration in Buddhist art and sculpture for centuries now; making these flowers perfect choices to decorate any home!