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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