The lotus (Sanskrit and Tibetan "padma") is an ancient polyvalent symbol in Asian culture. It's one of the most famous representations of the Buddhist teachings.
The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies 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.

The color of the lotus has an important bearing on the symbology associated with it:

White Lotus: This represents the state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity (bodhi). It is associated with the White Tara and proclaims her perfect nature, a quality which is reinforced by the color of her body.

Pink Lotus: This the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity. Thus naturally it is associated with the Great Buddha himself.

Red Lotus: pad ma chu skyes): This signifies the original nature and purity of the heart (hrdya). It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion and all other qualities of the heart. It is the flower of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.

Blue Lotus: This is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. Not surprisingly, it is the preferred flower of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

The lotus is symbol for:
* Total mental purity (bodhi)
* Love, compassion, passion - the qualities of the heart
* The growth of the soul
* Purity of the body, speech, and mind
* Associated with Sahasrara chakra - the crown spiritual center 

Labels: lotus, padma, Buddhist

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