Lotus is Special…Why?
Some believe that the lotus is “cradle of creative might”, while the other believe that “lotus holds the secret of the Gods.” Many stories illustrate the significance of lotus. In this blog, we have brought together all those mythological fractions to tell you why we consider the Lotus to be so special…
Did you know that it is also the talisman of the goddess the Padma, known as a creative force and can be seen on Hindu and Buddhist monuments? Another legend that states the holiness of the flower, is that when Buddha walked on the earth, he left lotuses in his trail and no footprints.
All around the globe, it seems to have imbibe thoughts of divine goodness that has grown from seed and bloomed throughout ages and cultures.
Lotus is Special…in the Scriptures
Our scriptures and ancient literature praise the beauty of Lotus. Art and architecture also portray the lotus in various decorative motifs and paintings. Many people of names or related to the Lotus: Padma, Pankaja, Kamal, Kamala, Kamalakshi etc.
The goddess of wealth, Laxmi, sits on a Lotus and carries one in her hand. It blooms with the rising sun and closes at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge.
The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram). The lord is also nature, and therefore, his various aspects are compared to a Lotus (i.e. Lotus-eyes, Lotus feet, Lotus hands, the Lotus of the heart etc.)
A Lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the Lotus symbolizes the link between the creator and the supreme cause. It also signifies Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma.
Click the link to learn about the Significance of Lotus from Swami Chinmayananda
Lotus is Special…it teaches us
The Lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to stay pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.
The Lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of wisdom (Gnani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from Bhagavad Gita:
Brahmanyaadhaaya Karmaani
Sangam Tyaktvaa Karoti Yaha
Lipyate Na Sa Paapena
Padma Patram Ivaambhasaa
He who does actions, offering them to Brahma (the supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as Lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it. (Copper prayer leaf online.)
From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a discipline to be practiced by all Sadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees.
(You can also read Why do we Worship the Holy Basil or Tulsi )
Lotus is Special…for us
Our body has specific energy centres described in the yoga shastras as chakras. Each one is associated with Lotus that have a certain number of petals. For example, the Sahasrara Chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains godhood or realization, is represented by a Lotus with a thousand petals. Also, the Lotus posture (Padmasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation.
The auspicious sign of the Swastika is said to have evolved from the Lotus. From all the above, we can well appreciate why the Lotus is India’s national flower and so special to Indians.
Reference: Why do we… by Swamini Vimalananda & Radhika Krishnakumar