The Significance of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism - Research Paper Example

The Significance of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism Asian Art entails the diverse forms of art and/ or craft, which are common amongst the cultures of the larger Asia-Pacific region. As a region of great diversity, influence is in terms of not only language and racial identity, but also, religio-cultural and social uniqueness. This is based upon the influential nature of the varying religio-cultural identities, transcending through prevailing social-strata in their own influential way. Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, aptly regarded as ‘the right way of living’ (dharma). It encompasses an array of beliefs, practices and traditions that are mainly based upon teachings attributed to Buddha – Siddhartha Gautama ‘the awakened one.’ The lotus flower is an important symbol in Buddhism because of the symbols that it carries. The aim of the paper is to discuss the significance of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism, through a collection of pertinent evidence and information from different sources. The most important factor will be the focus on the symbolic nature of the Lotus flower, in terms of meaning and symbolic significance. Buddhism is composed mainly of two core extant branches that include Mahayana (the Great Vehicle) and Theravada (the School of the Elders). Buddhism is widespread in the Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka (Theravada), and East Asia (Mahayana) (Suguro and Montgomery 3). Accordingly, it is influential to millions of adherents, of not only Buddhism, but also Hinduism and Egyptology. Importantly to the Buddhists is the symbolic representation of the lotus flower as the seat of Buddha. To be noted is that various Asian deities are often depicted while seated on the lotus flower. This thereby further portrays the purity of essence represented through its many flower petals; diverse but brightly lit flowers. It is from this that the second major meaning of the flower is derived from purification of the human spirit, which is created into the murkiness of the world. Inadvertently, the third crucial representation is that of faithfulness, founded upon the fact that those who seek to be adherents, ‘rising above the muddy waters’, need to be followers who are grounded in their faith (Penney 48). The Lotus Flower is a major symbol in Buddhism, in addition to the Dharma wheel and the Stupa. It holds significant importance to adherents of Buddhism due to existing legend, which portrays the greatness of Gautama Buddha who was born with the capability to walk as a child. Furthermore is that wherever he went, upon which ground he strode, different lotus flowers bloomed. Accordingly, it is from this portrayal that the lotus flower is associated with fortune in Buddhism; portraying the sacred steps of Buddha. Influential in terms of its symbolic portrayal is that whilst it grows in muddy water, it is able to channel its way upwards. Accordingly, it is from this environment that the flower is able to rise up, providing the flowers initial and mainly literal meaning: ‘ability to not only rise above the water, but to also beautifully bloom above the underneath murk; hence achieving enlightenment. The importance of the lotus flower in Buddhism has been emphasized for ages because of the important symbols it represents to Buddhist believers. It is considered a sacred flower, with varying significance and meanings, mainly representing the purity of speech, mind and body. An aquatic plant, Padma (as the sacred Lotus) is associated with the twin aspects of cosmic renewal and creation, in addition to the essence of primordial unity. It thus shares in the mandala and chakra symbolism of Dharmacakra, influential on the various chakras that are present in a human body. Symbolically, the lotus flower while rooted in the soil/mud of water bodies, its flowers are able to blossom upon its long stalks. This represents the symbolic ability to be able to conquer the negative effects of human desire and attachment, further being representative of the aspect of ‘detachment.’ This is portrayed in the manner in which water drops easily slide of its many petals. The diverse nature of the flower petals (divergent color range) further bears a critical importance to the Lotus flower’s meaning in the Buddhist faith. Accordingly, flowers whose petals are white are representative of the purity of both the human spirit and mind. A flower which is red on its part aptly represents to the presence or need of love and compassion (Ikeda and Watson 51). The lotus flower whose petals are blue, symbolically represents the presence of common sense, through utility of both logic and wisdom in the creation of human enlightenment. A pink lotus flower, portrays the great historical life and nature of Buddha, inclusive of the diverse legends that are associated with him. The pink lotus flower importantly represents the mysticism and spirituality of the faith, influential towards understanding the ways, nature and path of the Buddhist adherent. Finally, all Buddhist adherents endeavor to draw inspiration from the gold lotus flower, which is a representation of all the achievements that can be made, in terms of enlightenment in Buddha. It is not only the physical appearance or representation of the lotus flower that is important, but also the phase of growth. This is crucial in that it represents the different stages that adherents must undergo through, in order to gain enlightenment. Accordingly, the presentation of a closed lotus flower portrays the initial journey of a Buddhist adherent, subsequently finding Buddha or his/her enlightenment (Beer 122). Influential in this aspect is the fact that the mud or murky environment in which the flower grows, is a critical symbolic representation in the faith. It symbolically portrays that all human beings are born into a world which is full of hardships and suffering. Thus, human suffering is vital as part of humanity’s experience, making us not only strong, but also educating on the need to resist the deceptive temptation of evil. Thus, when Buddhist adherents are able to banish the presence of evil thoughts in their minds, they are able to become much stronger breaking free from the evils of the world (the murky waters). It is only through being able to achieve this that adherents are able to become one with Buddha (Beer 122). Accordingly, the mud or murky environment portrays not only the world in which Buddhist adherents live in, but also represents the inert nature of human beings. Thus, it teaches on the importance of choosing the ‘right path’, often filled with trial, hardship and tribulations over the easy path that is ‘coated in’ pleasure and human evil. It is from all the aforementioned that the lotus flower’s main symbolism is derived from. It is a symbolic representation of ‘rebirth’, not only in terms of the literal sense, but more so in a figurative manner. Conclusion As stated above, the lotus flower is an important aspect in Buddhism. The flower grows in muddy areas and is a symbol of good luck. The environment that it occupies gives the flower one of its core meanings, which is rising and blooming to achieve enlightenment. Through portrayal of the aspect of ‘rebirth’, the lotus flower is able to symbolize amongst others including the acceptance of Buddha, the change of attitude and ideas, the dawn after an individual’s darkest/ trying times, the individual ability to overlook past wrongs, or renaissance of an adherent’s beliefs. This is the figurative aspect of representation that is portrayed where the literal sense entailing the belief in one’s future rebirth through reincarnation. Hence, in the Buddhist faith, this rebirth pertains to the moment when one’s soul leaves this world, in its prevailing form to be reborn in another world which is more divine than the current. The fact that the flower has symbolic meanings makes it an aspect of art and an important aspect in the lives of Buddhists. Works Cited Beer, Robert. The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. Boston: Shambhala, 2003. Print. Ikeda, Daisaku, and Burton Watson. The Flower of Chinese Buddhism. Santa Monica, Calif: Middleway Press, 2009. Penney, Sue. Buddhism. Austin, Tex: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1999. Print. Suguro, Shinjō, and Daniel B. Montgomery. Introduction to the Lotus Sutra. Fremont, Calif: Jain Pub, 1998. Print. Read More