Lotus flower grows beautifully in muddy water and far away from sun. But as soon as shines on the Lotus, it blooms nicely catching everyone's eye. I chose to write about lotus flower as I had the question in my mind where why Hindu Gods' stand or sit on lotus flower and how they able to balance themselves? What do their act symbolize?
In Hinduism, the Lotus flower symbolizes purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. The lotus roots in the mud but it floats on water without becoming wet or muddy. This symbolize how one should live their life in this world. Bhagavad Gita 5.10, "One who perform his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, just like the lotus is untouched by water or mud". Meaning of this verse is a man is required to be like the Lotus flower, he should complete his responsibilities without looking forward for any returns and dedicate himself to God; keep himself untouched by sin just like the Lotus which is untouched by water and mud. Lotus flower even exist in yoga postures, Padmasana which is adopted by those striving to reach high level of consciousness; just like the thousand-petalled lotus chakra found at top of the God's head. One of the Goddess who sits and stand on bloomed pink lotus is Goddess Lakshmi, the God of wealth and good fortune. She also holds pink lotus on right and left hand as you saw in the picture. It is mentioned in Mahabharata that Lord Lakshmi emerged from a Lotus flower which grew from the forehead of Lord Vishnu. The Goddess of Power, Durga also adorned by lotus garland dedicated by Varuna himself for killing demon. Goddess of Wisdom, Lord Saraswati sits on white lotus, almost all the God and Goddess in Hinduism sits on the lotus and holds lotus flower in their hand.
THE LOTUS OF THE HEART:
Hindu scriptures states that the Atman dwells in the lotus within the heart. In order to reach the spiritual light in our heart. Start visualizing yourself within a lotus, centered the lotus within the center of your chest. Within the center of the lotus try to visualize a small light as the Hindu scriptures states that the Atman within his heart, he is a brilliant light about size of your finger. The God that dwells within your heart is much more deeper than the lotus light.
MEANING OF LOTUS FLOWER COLORS IN BUDDHISM:
Blue Lotus
It is often associated with victory of the spirit over wisdom, intelligence and knowledge.
White Lotus
Represents the state of mental purity, associated with the pacification of one's nature. This lotus is considered to be the womb of the world.
Purple Lotus
Known to be Mystical and associated with esoteric sects. It is known as an open flower or as a bud. The eight petals of the purple lotus represents the noble eight fold path.
Pink Lotus
Supreme lotus, considered to be the lotus which seats Buddha.
Red Lotus
This color relates to heart, meaning is of love and deep compassion.
References :
http://www.sanskritimagazine.com/indian-religions/hinduism/meaning-of-different-colours-in-hinduism/#
http://davidismviewpoints.blogspot.com/2009/06/hindu-symbols.html
