Lotus flower: history, characteristics and symbolism in various cultures

The lotus flower is a very ancient symbol. Its main feature is purity together with the ability to maintain its beauty in the mud

Il Lotus flower it is a very ancient symbol. The main characteristic associated with the lotus flower is purity along with the ability to maintain one's beauty amidst the mud, where the lotus flower is born and lives.





Since ancient times the lotus flower it has influenced the cultures of many peoples since ancient Egypt and throughout Asia. In Egyptian culture, for example, the lotus flower was associated with rebirth, in Buddhism the lotus flower is connected to divine purity and enlightenment while in Hinduism the lotus flower is associated with well-being.

The lotus it has the particularity of having roots that sink into the mud and of always remaining immaculate despite being in stagnant waters. Therefore the lotus flower in general becomes the symbol of those who manage to remain pure and uncontaminated amidst the difficulties of the world.

Index

The lotus flower in Yoga

The lotus flower in India is the very symbol of Yoga and of the realized person. The lotus symbol is also associated with the 7 main Cakras. To the Seventh Cakra, the highest Cakra, corresponds the lotus with a thousand petals. The lotus flower it is a symbol of purity and great inner beauty. Symbolizes purity of heart and mind. At night the lotus flower closes and returns underground, at dawn it opens again, but its beauty is not compromised by the mud.

Read also: YOGA: HERE'S HOW IT TRANSFORMS BODY AND MIND FROM THE FIRST LESSON ONWARDS

The lotus position

One of the most famous positions of Yoga is precisely the lotus position in which you sit cross-legged with your feet coming close to the groin area and with your hands folded in your lap. In other cases the hands are placed on the knees with the palms facing up or down. The tip of the tongue is folded back and resting on the lower palate.



The lotus position is the most suitable for meditation because it promotes concentration and limit distractions from the outside world. In this position, by meditating, we can practice calming the mind.

Read also: MEDITATION: HOW 10 MINUTES A DAY CAN CHANGE LIFE FOR THE BETTER

Lotus flower: history, characteristics and symbolism in various cultures

The lotus flower in Buddhism

The lotus flower in Buddhism is an auspicious symbol. In Buddhism the story of the lotus flower indicates the path of growth of the soul from the mud of materialism through the waters of experience to enlightenment. The soul of the best men in Buddhism is spotless just like the lotus flower which is not soiled by the mud that surrounds it. For Buddhism, our heart is like a closed lotus flower that blooms only thanks to the virtues that develop within it. That is why Buddha is portrayed sitting in a lotus flower or in the lotus position.

In Buddhism the lotus flower can represent:

  • Patience
  • Purity
  • Mysticism
  • Overcoming attachments
  • Absence of desires
  • Love for all things
  • State of illumination
  • Spiritual development
  • Confidence
  • Self-awareness
Lotus flower: history, characteristics and symbolism in various cultures

The lotus flower in Japan

In Japan and in the East in general, the lotus flower is linked to those who are deepening the knowledge of themselves through a journey into one's inner world. The lotus flower is above all a symbol of elegance and simplicity as well as purity and beauty. It is the symbol of the ability to remain pure and whole despite what surrounds us.



The lotus flower in Ancient Egypt

In Ancient Egypt the lotus flower was related to symbolism of the feminine. It is a symbol that has purely feminine qualities and is linked to the theme of birth and renewal. The purity, delicacy and beauty of the lotus are reminiscent of feminine qualities. In particular, the lotus is a symbol suitable for those who are experiencing a moment of rebirth.

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