Lotus Flower Meaning

Lotus is the exquisite flower, which symbolizes purity. Surrounded by myths and legends, lotus is looked upon as a symbol of divine beauty. In the Asian religions and cultures, especially, in Buddhism and Hinduism, lotus flower is the embodiment of perfection. The magnificent lotus flowers emerge from the dirty and murky bottom of a pond, and yet remain untouched by all the dirt and mud of the environment, in which it grows. This unique quality of the flower is believed to represent the pure spirit. Apart from India and China, lotus is also regarded as a sacred flower in Egyptian culture. So, let's take a look at lotus flower meaning and its symbolism in different cultures of the world.

Lotus Flower Meaning in Buddhism

In Buddhism, lotus flower is the symbol of purity, faithfulness and spiritual awakening. The flower lift itself from the dirt and mud of its surrounding, which represent the act of rising above the water of desire and attachment, which is the key for achieving spiritual enlightenment. Though the flower has its root in the mud, it grows upward in the direction of light, which represents the aspiration to rise above and move towards the light. In other words, the flower stands for the journey from the darkness, represented by the muddy pond, to the light of knowledge or wisdom.

In Buddhism, lotus of different colors are associated with different meaning, however all are related to spiritualism. As for example, the blue lotus flower is said to symbolize purity of wisdom, the white lotus is the symbol of spiritual perfection and the red one is of the heart. The pink lotus on the other hand, represents the historical 'Buddha' and hence, considered as the supreme lotus. Apart from growing from the mud, lotus flower has a unique quality to shed its seeds at the same time when it blooms. In Buddhism, it is said to represent the principle of cause and effect, wherein every action or thought is believed to cause effect or reaction, that can be experienced either in this life or in the future lives.

Lotus Flower Meaning in Hinduism

Like Buddhism, lotus is a flower of great significance for Hinduism and Indian culture. In Hinduism, lotus flower is associated with beauty, prosperity, fertility and above all, eternity and spirituality. It is the perfect flower that is found alongside most of the Hindu gods and goddesses. For example, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, known as Laxmi is almost always depicted to be seated on a fully blossomed lotus flower, showering her generosity upon mankind. Even the Hindu god for creation, 'Brahma' is believed to emerge from a lotus that sprung from the navel of 'Lord Vishnu', the sustainer or the preserver of the world.

In Bhagavad Gita, the quality of lotus flower to remain untouched by the water and mud of the pond, where it grows, is compared with the quality of a wise and spiritually enlightened person, who performs his or her duty without any attachment and concern for any reward. This ability to get liberated from attachment enables one to remain unaffected by all sins and dirt of worldly matters, and achieve spiritual perfection. The bud, i.e. lotus bud is also compared with a folded heart or soul, which contain within itself the ability to unfold or awaken to realize the divine truth. This symbolizes the journey from the darkness of ignorance to the light or spiritual illumination.

Lotus Flower Meaning in Egyptian Culture

In Egyptian culture, lotus is the flower that represents the sun and rebirth. The flower is associated with several legends, which describe the creation of sun. According to one legend, the sun actually rose out of a lotus, while another legend states that a lotus emerged from the infinite ocean, called 'Nun' and when the flower bloomed, it revealed the Egyptian sun god. Yet another legend describes the god, 'Ra' to come out from a beautiful lotus flower.

Lotus Flower Color Meaning

Lotus is usually found in five different colors, white, red, blue, purple and pink. The white lotus is said to denote purity of the mind and spiritual perfection. The red lotus on the other hand, stands for the heart and hence, symbolize love, passion, compassion and the qualities akin to the original nature of heart. The blue lotus means wisdom and knowledge, and stands for the victory over the senses. Purple lotus is the mystic lotus, representing the esoteric sects. The delicate pink lotus is considered as the supreme of all lotus. This is the reason why, the main Hindu gods and Goddesses, and also 'Buddha' are shown to be seated on a pink lotus. You will get more information on flower meaning.

To sum up, lotus is one of the few flowers that has fascinated the human mind from time immemorial, with its exotic and mysterious beauty. Lotus flower and lotus flower meanings also inspire the human mind to achieve perfection, even in the adversities of life. In modern times, lotus is one of the most popular flowers, to be used for tattooing, mainly due to all the meanings attached to it. Lotus flower tattoo meanings emphasize that, it is always possible to overcome the trials and tribulations of life to attain fulfillment and perfection.