About the Lotus Flower
The lotus occurs in Asia from Japan through China to Nepal and westward as far as the Caspian Sea. Its large, fragrant flowers often grow out of swamps and have the special ability to clean themselves. In Tibetan Buddhism, the lotus flower carries a profound symbolism that goes far beyond its beauty and purity and embodies various aspects of spiritual practice and faith.
Numerous Buddhist texts and scriptures refer to the lotus to convey Buddhist concepts and teachings, such as enlightenment, compassion, purity and the interdependence of all things. Here are some examples:
Om Mani Padme Hum: the most famous mantra is translated as «O jewel in the lotus».
Lotus Sutra (Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra): This sutra is one of the most important texts of Mahayana Buddhism. It contains numerous teachings of the Buddha, including the famous metaphor of the «Lotus Sutra», which emphasises universal enlightenment and the potential of all living beings to attain it.
Lalitavistara Sutra: This sutra is one of the most important sources on the life and teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. It describes how the Bodhisattva Siddhartha Gautama was born in a lotus flower.
Avatamsaka Sutra (also Flower Ornament Sutra): This extensive sutra emphasises the interdependence of all phenomena and is often associated with the symbolism of the lotus to illustrate this idea.
Surangama Sutra: This sutra is an important text in Chan and Zen Buddhism and contains a passage in which the Buddha asks his disciples to regard consciousness as «like a lotus leaf that is not in the water».
Amitabha Sutra (Sukhavati-Vyuha): This sutra describes the «Pure Land» of Buddha Amitabha, in which those who recite his name can be reborn after death in a pure and blissful state. The lotus is a frequent symbol of this Pure Land.
Vimalakirti Sutra: In this sutra there is a passage in which the Bodhisattva Vimalakirti miraculously makes a huge lotus bloom in order to instruct those present.
Meaning and symbolism
Purity and enlightenment: The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism. It grows out of muddy water yet always remains spotless and untouched. This symbolises the ability to grow spiritually and attain enlightenment despite the worldliness and imperfection of the world.
Spiritual awakening: The way the lotus flower rises from the darkness and opens towards the sun is seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening and the unfolding of inner potential. It stands for the development of the mind and liberation from ignorance.
Forgiveness: The lotus flower also symbolises the idea of forgiveness and compassion. Just as the flower grows out of impure water, it encourages us to feel compassion for all living beings and to accept them despite their shortcomings and mistakes.
Forms of depiction
Lotus throne: In many depictions in Tibetan Buddhism, the Buddha or a Bodhisattva sits on a lotus throne. This underlines the sublimity and purity of the spiritual teaching and of the enlightened beings.
Number of petals: The number of petals varies and carries its own meaning. A lotus with four petals often symbolises the earth, while one with eight petals represents the universe and symbolically stands for the «Eightfold Path» of practising Buddhists.
Colours: The colour of the lotus flower also has a meaning. A delicate pink lotus belongs to the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. White lotus flowers generally symbolise purity and spiritual perfection, while red lotus flowers stand for compassion and love and belong to the Bodhisattva of mercy, Avalokiteshvara. Blue lotus flowers can embody wisdom and insight and are therefore associated with Manjushri, a Bodhisattva who confronts the fetters of ignorance and delusion with his flaming sword.
Open or closed flowers: A closed lotus often stands for spiritual awakening that is not yet complete, while an open flower represents complete enlightenment and the unfolding of the mind.
Connection to deities: Lotus flowers are often seen in connection with certain Buddhist deities. For example, Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, or Green Tara are often depicted holding a lotus flower.
The lotus flower is one of the most powerful symbols in Tibetan Buddhism, a reminder that spiritual growth and enlightenment are possible despite the challenges and imperfections of life. It teaches compassion, purity and spiritual transformation and has a firm place in the iconography and philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as in Buddhist art and architecture. It adorns temples, statues (for example as a base or throne for the Buddha or other enlightened beings such as Bodhisattvas) and thangkas, but also everyday objects such as incense holders, candle bowls or gift wrapping paper. And its seeds are used to make traditional mala prayer beads.