Why is the lotus (flower) so significant in buddhism?

The lotus (Sanskrit and Tibetan padma) is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols and one of the most poignant representations of Buddhist teaching.





The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies pristinely above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.





Though there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is only the lotus which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches above the surface.





According to the Lalitavistara, "the spirit of the best of men is spotless, like the lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it."





According to another scholar, "in esoteric Buddhism, the heart of the beings is like an unopened lotus: when the virtues of the Buddha develop therein, the lotus blossoms; that is why the Buddha sits on a lotus bloom."





The lotus is one of Buddhism's best recognized motifs and appears in all kinds of Buddhist art across all Buddhist cultures. Scrolling lotuses often embellish Buddhist textiles, ceramics and architecture.





Every important Buddhist deity is associated in some manner with the lotus, either being seated upon a lotus in full bloom or holding one in their hands. In some images of standing Buddhas, each foot rests on a separate lotus.

Why is the lotus (flower) so significant in buddhism?
Lotus flowers grow in a dirty muddy marsh so it tells buddhists that even in the worst circumstances something beautiful can come out of it.
Reply:Because it's a beautiful flower that grows in mud. It symbolizes beauty coming from what is not beautiful.





%26lt;edit%26gt; "Borrowing from Hinduism, in Buddhist symbolism, the lotus represents purity of body, speech, and mind, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. "
Reply:My PC wont Let me paste the article but theres a really good explanation on this site.
Reply:In Hinduism, the lotus (Sanskrit: padma) primarily represents beauty and non-attachment. The lotus is rooted in the mud but floats on the water without becoming wet or muddy. This symbolizes how how one should live in the world in order to gain release from rebirth: without attachment to one's surroundings.





"One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water."


-- Bhagavad Gita 5.10








The lotus (Sanskrit and Tibetan padma) is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols and one of the most poignant representations of Buddhist teaching.


The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies pristinely above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.





Though there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is only the lotus which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches above the surface.
Reply:when someone attains nirvana or enlightenment, he sees 1000 of lotus in his meditation.





so it symbolises everything in a way because that's the final stage of meditation.





there is more above to go and to know, but that will be your personal experience. no one has ever said anything about the stage after enlightenment or nirvana.





chakras or wheel of energy in your body, the spinal cord more precisely. also called kundalini power or serpent power.
Reply:hmmm... a symbol of purity? either way, lotus seeds are yummy.
Reply:Lotus flowers are actually herbs...interesting huh?





I think it symbolizes rebirth because at night it goes under water and in the morning it comes back up.

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