Importance of Lotus flower in Buddhism

[paul linus]

Buddhism originates from Hinduism in India, and the symbolism of the lotus is similar. The lotus is one of the ‘ashtamangala,’ one of the eight auspicious signs. Its symbolism indicates purity of mind, body, speech and cleanliness. By removing the obstacles to awareness, one becomes like a lotus rising from the murky waters flowering in consciousness.

 

[Nil Thapliyal]

The open blossom of the lotus stands for enlightenment, whereas the unopened bud is the potential for enlightenment. The stem of the lotus symbolises the practice of Buddhism that takes one out of the mud of every day toil into the potential of the full flowering of human consciousness.