The
Lotus flower is held sacred in the Hindu, Buddhist, and
Egyptian religions. The Lotus is a type of water lily, which rises from muddy
waters to blossom, making it a symbol of purity of the soul wikthin the material
world, and an emblem of resurrection.
The
Lotus is one of the eight auspicious signs of Buddhism- an eight petalled
lotus used in Buddhist mandalas
symbolizes cosmic harmony, a thousand
petalled
lotus,
spiritual illumination. A bud symbolizes potential. The well known Buddhist
mantra, "Om mane padme," refers to the "jewel in the lotus," enlightenment.
In
Egyptian mythology, the lotus was associated with the sun, because it bloomed
by day, and closed by night. The lotus was even believed to have given birth
to the sun, and was the vehicle of the soul's resurrection.
Egyptian woman with lotuses
Related
Resources:
Sacred
texts and scripture
Scriptures and other sacred texts, from ancient times to modern theological
musings.
Alternative
spirituality in a nutshell
Basic facts about alternative spiritual traditions- history, founders, misconceptions
and other basic facts to give a clearer understanding of the varieties of
religious expression.
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