One thing that non-Buddhists always notice are the distinctive symbols involved with the various sects of Buddhism. There are eight major symbols known as the “Eight Auspicious Symbols.”
The lotus has various symbolic meanings throughout Hinduism, and since Hindu influences pervade all of Buddhism, the lotus became important there too.
A lotus flower grows in the mud, its root stretching below the surface of the water, the stem reaches up through the water, and the flower appears to float on top of the water. This reflects symbolically the growth of the soul through materialism (the mud), experience (the water), and the sunshine (enlightenment/Nirvana).
The color of the lotus is also significant:
White Lotus=Mental ans Spiritual Purity
Red Lotus= The heart, compassion and love
Blue Lotus= Wisdom and control of the senses
Pink Lotus= The original and historical Buddha
Purple Lotus= Mysticism
The heart of a being is like an unopened lotus; when the virtues of a Buddha develop, then the lotus blossoms. This is why the Buddha is often depicted sitting on a blooming lotus flower.
Posts
