| re 8 Auspicious Symbols in Buddhist art and the | | | | what Buddhism represents. So, there are general |
| Lotus Flower is one of the most prominent. In | | | | characteristics the Lotus Flower represents. |
| fact, you could credibly claim that the Lotus | | | | The selection of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism |
| Flower is the most well known of all the symbols. | | | | derives from the fact it is a flower that is able to |
| It is commonly featured in artwork because of its | | | | bloom while also simultaneously shedding its seeds. |
| deep rooted connection to the notion of | | | | This ties very heavily to components of Buddhist |
| enlightenment which is the prime goal of practicing | | | | karma since karma revolves around cause and |
| Buddhism. | | | | effect. In some cases, there may be similarities |
| The Lotus Flower and its derivative Lotus position | | | | between cause and effect and other scenarios |
| in the practice of Buddhism have a greater level | | | | can lead to the exact opposite reaction than what |
| of complexity than most realize. This is because | | | | we initially intended. The key here is that one |
| the flower has a deep symbolic meaning far | | | | must understand karma will prove to be a |
| beyond the look of the flower or the assumption | | | | salvation or an undoing depending upon your |
| that all religions need an icon. The Lotus flower | | | | approach to life. |
| was not selected to merely perform some iconic | | | | Lotus flowers are also known to float on water. |
| role. However, the presence of the Lotus is a vital | | | | In some instances, the water may be pristine and |
| one since the Lotus position — a critical | | | | clear. In other instances, the water may be |
| component in the worship of Buddhism — | | | | polluted or otherwise filthy. The symbolism of this |
| plays such an integral role in the practice of | | | | should be considered fairly self-evident. The fact |
| Buddhism. | | | | that the meditative position is based on the Lotus |
| The Lotus position in the practice of Buddhism is | | | | Flower is clearly not selected without a clear |
| something that is frequently misunderstood by | | | | deliberation. |
| those that do not understand what the position is | | | | The filth of the water can represent the evil, |
| designed to promote. For some, the Lotus | | | | dangers, and darker side of life. The Lotus Flower |
| position looks ‘cool’ and this is good | | | | rises above and floats over such ugliness. The |
| enough for them to employ it in their meditative | | | | concept of meditating in the Lotus position |
| practice. However, there is more to the position | | | | presents the notion that a person can rise above |
| than merely appearances. When we are of the | | | | such complexities and difficulties and maintain their |
| mindset that the position is valuable based upon a | | | | composure and proper mindset. Of course, you |
| cursory or surface value opinion, we run the risk | | | | can also maintain such composure under all |
| of being able to dismiss it just as well. And | | | | environments whether which is the central theme |
| honestly, it is best not to dismiss any components | | | | of Buddhist practice — a calm mind that |
| to Buddhist practice much less one as important | | | | co-exists in all environments. |
| as the Lotus position and its symbolism. | | | | The Lotus Flower does not just float over dirty |
| The key to understanding the lotus involves | | | | and murky water. It is born of vile and dirty mud |
| having a more in depth understanding of what it | | | | but you would not know this based upon looking |
| involves and entails. In Buddhism, there are | | | | at such a beautiful flower. Regardless of the filth it |
| additional complexities to examining the symbolism | | | | comes from, the true nature of the Lotus Flower |
| in any image. This is because Buddhism promotes | | | | emerges from its dark origins and rises above it. |
| notions of dualities and open-ended interpretations. | | | | You could consider this the ultimate form of |
| Since Buddhism is rooted in what already exists | | | | enlightenment which is probably why the Lotus is |
| within the self, it is common that interpretations | | | | so commonly reflected in Buddhist symbolism and |
| of symbols are not clearly defined. | | | | artwork. |
| That is not to say there is no order to the | | | | You could say the true heart and essence of a |
| symbolism found in Buddhism. Such an approach | | | | human being is found in the symbolism of the |
| would be chaotic and sloppy — certainly | | | | Lotus. |
| those are two components far removed from | | | | |