About the lotus flower
The lotus is found in Asia from Japan to China to Nepal and westwards to the Caspian Sea. Its large, fragrant flowers often grow out of swamps and have the special ability to purify themselves. In Tibetan Buddhism, lotus flowers have a profound symbolism that goes far beyond their beauty and purity and symbolizes various aspects of spiritual practice and belief.
Numerous texts and scriptures of Buddhism 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 "Oh you jewel in the lotus flower".
Lotus Sutra (Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra): This sutra is one of the most important texts in Mahayana Buddhism. It contains numerous teachings of the Buddha, including the famous metaphor of the "Lotus Sutra", which emphasizes universal enlightenment and the potential of all living beings for enlightenment.
Lalitavistara Sutra: This sutra is one of the most important sources for the life and teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. It describes how the Bodhisattva Siddhartha Gautama was born in a lotus flower.
Avatamsaka Sutra (also known as the Flower Ornament Sutra): This extensive sutra emphasizes the interdependence of all phenomena and is often associated with the symbolism of the lotus to illustrate this idea.
Surangama Sutra: An important text in Chan and Zen Buddhism, this sutra contains a passage in which the Buddha urges his disciples to view consciousness as "like a lotus leaf that is not in water".
Amitabha Sutra (Sukhavati-Vyuha): This sutra describes the "Pure Land" of the Buddha Amitabha, where those who recite his name can be reborn and be reborn in a pure and blissful state after death. The lotus is a common symbol for this Pure Land.
Vimalakirti Sutra: In this sutra, there is a passage in which the Bodhisattva Vimalakirti miraculously makes a huge lotus blossom 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 from muddy water, but always remains immaculate and untouched. This symbolizes the ability to grow spiritually and achieve 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 spirit and liberation from ignorance.
Forgiveness: The lotus flower also symbolizes the idea of forgiveness and compassion. Similar to how the flower grows from impure water, it encourages us to feel compassion for all living beings and to accept them despite their shortcomings and faults.
Forms of representation
Lotus throne: In many depictions in Tibetan Buddhism, Buddha or a Bodhisattva sits on a lotus throne. This emphasizes the sublimity and purity of spiritual teachings and enlightened beings.
Number of petals: The number of petals varies and carries its own meaning. A lotus flower with four petals often symbolizes the earth, while one with eight petals represents the universe and symbolizes the "eightfold path" of practicing Buddhists.
ColorsThe color of the lotus flower also has a meaning. A pale pink lotus belongs to the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. White lotus flowers generally symbolize purity and spiritual perfection, while red lotus flowers stand for compassion and love and belong to the bodhisattva of the Buddha. the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, belong. Blue lotus flowers can embody wisdom and insight and are therefore associated with Manjushri, a bodhisattva who confronts the shackles of ignorance and delusion with his flaming sword.
Open or closed flowers: A closed lotus flower often represents spiritual awakening that is not yet complete, while an open flower represents complete enlightenment and unfolding of the spirit.
Connection to deities: Lotus flowers are often seen in association 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, reminding us 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, but also in Buddhist art and architecture. It adorns temples, statues (as a pedestal or throne for the Buddha or other enlightened beings such as Bodhisattvas) and thangkas, but also everyday objects such as bases for incense sticks, candle bowls or wrapping paper. And their seeds are used to make traditional mala prayer beads.