Meaning of lotus flower (what is it, concept and definition)

What is lotus flower:

Lotus flower, also known as sacred lotus, Indian lotus or Nile rose, is the common name of an aquatic plant called Nelumbo nucifera , which is characterized by having floating and fragrant leaves, as well as a fruit with a complex structure with multiple holes. that resemble little eyes.

In Buddhism, the meaning of the lotus flower is the purity of the body and soul.

The lotus flower has the ability to survive in difficult environments, such as swampy areas, hence it is frequently associated with the complex life processes that human beings must face.

The lotus flower is considered a sacred plant in China and India, for which multiple meanings and symbolisms have been attributed to it.

See also:

• Water lily.

Lotus flower in buddhism

The meaning of the lotus flower in Buddhism is physical and spiritual purity. The muddy water that houses the plant is associated with attachment and carnal desires, and the immaculate flower that blooms in the water in search of light is the promise of purity and spiritual elevation.

Symbolically, the lotus flower is associated with the figure of the Buddha and with his teachings, which is why it is a plant of sacred character for the peoples of the East. Legend has it that when the boy Buddha took his first steps, lotus flowers grew in all the places he stepped on.

See also

• BuddhismUnalome

Lotus flower in yoga

In yoga, the lotus position ( padmasana ) is the traditional meditation posture in which the person crosses his legs, each foot placed on the opposite thigh and placing his hands on the knees.

In the Asian religions, most of the divinities are sitting on a lotus flower in the act of meditation.

See also Yoga

Meaning of the lotus flower according to its color

To the lotus flower certain mystical or spiritual meanings have been attributed according to the color of its petals.

Blue lotus flower

It refers to the triumph of the spirit over the senses, it means wisdom and knowledge. This flower never reveals its interior, since it is almost always completely closed.

White lotus flower

It is related to the perfection of the spirit and the mind, a state of total purity and immaculate nature. It is usually represented by 8 petals.

Red lotus flower

Reveals the innocence and original nature of the heart. This flower represents qualities like love, passion and compassion. It is also known as the flower of the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara .

Pink lotus flower

Although often mistaken for the white lotus flower, the pink lotus is related to divine characters such as the Great Buddha.

The closed or button lotus flower is a symbol of man's infinite possibilities, while the open lotus flower represents the creation of the Universe.

See also:

• The incredible meaning of the 15 most beautiful flowers in the world

Lotus flower in a tattoo

The meaning of the lotus flower in a tattoo is closely linked with color and with the association of growth and spiritual expansion in situations of adversity.

In Japan it is common for the lotus flower tattoo to be accompanied by a koi fish, as an expression of individuality and inner strength.

Lotus flower in Greek mythology

In Greek mythology, lotophages were a people who lived on an island close to North Africa and were characterized by eating the lotus fruit that, according to stories, had a narcotic effect, causing peaceful sleep and amnesia.

In Homer's The Odyssey , which is where the lotophages are first mentioned, there is an episode in which three men are sent to the island in order to investigate. However, because of the consumption of the lotus flowers offered by their hosts, they forget that they have to return to the ship.

Later, Ulysses managed to rescue the men, and even had to tie them to the boat so that they would not return to the island.

Throughout this story, Homer appeals to the symbolism of the lotus flower to describe a human desire: the possibility of erasing the past to start again.