The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and
beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram). The Lord is also that 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.).
The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night.
Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. 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 remain 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 (gyaani) who remains ever
joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change.
This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta:
Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani
Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha
Lipyate na sa paapena
Padma patram ivaambhasaa
He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the
Supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf
remains unaffected by the water on it.
From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of
wisdom becomes a discipline to be practiced by all saadhakas or
spiritual seekers and devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers
described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras.
Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain
number of petals. For example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the
Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains
Godhood or Realisation. Also, the lotus posture (padmaasana) is recommended
when one sits for meditation. 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 symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma.
The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.
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