Lotus - a symbol of purity and enlightenment
The lotus is a flower that closes its petals every evening and hides in the dirty swamp water, only to return in the early morning as soon as the first rays of the sun appear in the sky. It symbolizes rebirth, spiritual purity and peace of life in its beauty and grace.
Opening its flower at dawn, the Lotus became a sign of youth, immortality and renewed vitality. Its petals resemble the rays of the Sun, and the bud itself forms a circle, like the center of the universe.
The secret meaning of the Lotus sign denotes three stages of human spiritual development:
- Ignorance;
- Overcoming ignorance;
- Gained understanding, enlightenment.
In the religion of Buddhism, the Lotus flower is often depicted either in the hands of the Buddha and his followers, or they sit on it as if on a throne.
The lotus is an image of creation, the original universe, emerging from the waters or emptiness.
Modern fashion
Symbolism is not alien to fashion trends. Feng Shui is such only in the West, while in its historical homeland it has been developing for many years. One way or another, one of the central concepts here is also the lotus.
Real flowers, figurines, flower images awaken and pacify the spiritual energy of space, activate the necessary zones, and balance two opposite sides, yin and yang.
The plant can truly be called unusual. Giving the impression of tenderness, lightness, vulnerability, in fact it boldly rushes upward, towards the sun, overcoming all obstacles. That is why its motifs are used in interior design, clothing, and even used in tattoos.
The meaning of the colors of the sacred Lotus
Lotus colors have different meanings and interpretations.
White Lotus
The white color of the Lotus belongs to the goddess “White Tara”, who eliminates dangers and gives long life without suffering. It is the color of healing and brings good luck.
Red Lotus
Red color represents purity of heart. It symbolizes purity of thoughts in love and empathy.
Blue Lotus
The blue color of the Lotus is a symbol of the victory of the spiritual over the sensual. He personifies wisdom and great knowledge. The blue emblem signifies modesty and purity.
Pink Lotus
The Pink Lotus is a symbol of the presence of the Divine and is associated with Buddha. The legend says that at the birth of Prince Gautama, the clouds in the sky burst into an extraordinary lotus rain. And during his stay on earth, wherever he walked, a graceful Lotus of enormous size grew.
In Ancient Japan
The Japanese believed that the lotus bud represents purity, not susceptible to the negative influences of the environment. Buddhist painting and temple culture were developed in Japan. The lotus was a necessary attribute in temples. Buddha was often depicted on his throne in the form of this flower.
After accepting Buddhism, the Japanese learned about the Lotus Sutra (one of the cycles of Buddha's sermons). In the 8th century it was recognized as one of the sutras that protect the country. The authority of this canonical text increased in the 9th century. after the Tendai Buddhist school was declared the state church.
The Japanese have long been committed to fresh flowers and their cultivation. White and pink lotuses are grown in Japanese park ponds. They are mentioned in folk poems and songs. People in this country have come up with many culinary recipes using the root of this plant.
Secret meanings of Lotus
The image of the Lotus is often mentioned in ancient books of spiritual practices. The symbolism of a flower varies depending on the number of petals:
- 5 petals - a symbol of the five stages of human life: birth, education, marriage, rest, death;
- 7 petals - a symbol of seven planets;
- 8 petals - a symbol of eternal oblivion;
- 9 petals - a symbol of a person;
- 12 petals are a symbol of the Divine and the Universe.
In Egypt, the Lotus is a symbol of life. This sacred flower was found everywhere: in houses, on clothes, as a decoration for the festive table and wedding bed. The funeral ceremony must necessarily include a wreath of flowers, as a symbol of the resurrection of a person.
The lotus represents rebirth and the regaining of youth, just as the old God dies to be reborn again young and full of vitality.
In China, the Lotus is a symbol of chastity and signifies spiritual perfection, purity and grace.
Drink of Oblivion
Herodotus in his writings described a country where the inhabitants of the “lotophagi” eat lotus flowers. They possessed the secret knowledge of the “drink of oblivion.” Anyone who tempts him at least once will forever remain in the flower’s homeland. The decoction completely erased a person’s memory of his true intentions in a foreign land and memories of his real homeland.
Odysseus, once on this land, almost lost his people, who treated themselves to the “drink of oblivion.” They refused to return home, and Odysseus was forced to tie them to benches on the deck of the ship.
Historians of our time have found the lands of lotophages. This place turned out to be the tropical island of Djerba, where several species of an amazing and mystical plant called lotus grow.
Lotus Temple
In Hinduism
Hindus in ancient times depicted the Earth in the form of a lotus blossoming over water. According to legend, while Vishnu (the creator of the world) was resting in the primordial waters, a flower grew from his navel. Brahma appeared in the bowl of the plant, who created our Universe.
Vishnu's wife is Lakshmi (goddess of happiness, beauty and wealth). According to myth, she came out of the ocean with a lotus in her hands when the gods created the ocean. There is another version: the goddess surfaced on a flower from the primordial waters.
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The sacred plant was considered in ancient India in two parts. As a reflection of the solar principle, it is a symbol of the solar gods (Vishnu and Surya), and according to the lunar principle, it is a symbol of the goddess of moisture Lakshmi. The sacred plant is a symbol of 2 manifestations of life: the passive side is the immutability of the Universe, its eternal existence, the active side is the activity of a person in revealing his abilities. This is explained by the fact that the plant stem is under water, and the calyx is above its surface.
Located on the threshold of a Hindu temple, the lotus symbolizes the pure abode of the deity. A plant with 3 stems signifies the tripartite aspect of time, which includes past events, those happening now, and those that are yet to happen. The center of the flower represents Mount Meru - the world axis located in the center of the Earth.
The Lotus symbol in modern interpretations
The mystical properties of the Lotus for our contemporaries lie in the flower’s ability to cleanse the bioenergy field around a person from negative vibrations.
The lotus aura relieves melancholy and depression. Moreover, it brings you out of a state of depressed mood very gradually, which provides a stable remission and prevents you from falling into the blues again. Such a gentle effect has a beneficial effect on the human psyche, giving him the opportunity to gradually adapt to the realities of the world around him.
The ability to change human consciousness
Lotus flowers have a beneficial effect on a person’s consciousness, guiding his musli towards spiritual development.
There is a practice called “lotus therapy”, based on sacred secrets about the power and strong impact of this flower on a person. This practice is recommended for people who do not care about the spiritual side of their lives and are completely focused on their career and making money.
“Lotus therapy” involves either carrying the petals of a plant with you or observing it for half an hour. Those who have done this exercise unanimously declare that consciousness does change. A desire for self-improvement and spiritual development appears.
Esoterics vs science: flower symbol
In esoteric practice, the lotus flower eliminates negative vibrations. It is believed that a photo of a lotus or an art image of it can become a cleansing amulet. The plant can also be used instead of asparagus and marmalade can be made from its seeds.
And how many amazing jewelry there are with this ancient symbol
This divine symbol in various religions carries its sacred meaning about:
- life and health
- rebirth and oblivion
- fertility
- masculine and feminine
- spiritual self-improvement
- awakening, the beginning of a new cycle
- love and compassion
These flowers of extraordinary beauty are always drawn to the light
A blooming lotus is a perennial plant; its diameter can reach 30 cm. In the photo you can see that its bud is always turned towards the sun. The lotus is listed in the Red Book, so it is already special. Science has confirmed that lotus preparations act as tonics, cardiotonics and general tonics.
"Pink Lily of the Nile" - a sacred and miraculous plant
Its geography covers the waters of America, Hawaii and other parts of the world (more details in the photo). The flowering plant is found in Asian countries, India and Australia. The most amazing Lotus Valley is located in Russia, on the Taman Peninsula. This is an ideal place for travel, wedding ceremonies, and unforgettable photo and video sessions.
The flower of paradise lives in lakes and reservoirs
Who said you can't get away with it? In some photos you can see a waxy coating on the petals and beautiful pearlescent tints. Water does not linger on their surface, but rolls off in drops.
The meaning and magical properties of the Lotus amulet
The magical amulet in the form of a Lotus flower contains a powerful force that puts a barrier against negative thoughts and conflicts directed at you.
In Eastern practice, it is believed that a flower in the house cleanses the room of negative Sha energy and transforms it into Qi.
It is better to make a talisman for your home from transparent rock crystal. A paper lotus, which you can make yourself from a white sheet, is also suitable. A product placed in the house will bring peace, get rid of negative thoughts and contribute to the acquisition of wisdom.
If a Lotus amulet is placed in a children's room, then the child's energy will be directed to the development of creativity and creativity.
Botanical description of lotus
Photo: Lotus flower on water
Lotus is a type of aquatic perennial herbaceous plant, the rhizome of which grows to a height of 150 centimeters and extends 3 meters in length. The stem is round, 60-90 centimeters long, glabrous, gray, dark green, covered with a network of microscopic hairs; the petioles are long and rise above the water. There are three types of leaves: underwater, floating and above-water. The flower grows solitary, up to 25 centimeters in diameter; sepals elliptical or ovate, 1.5-5×1-3.5 centimeters, concave, green or pinkish-green. A photo of a lotus flower is shown in the picture below. Petals are elliptical, 4-15x2-8 centimeters, concave, color depends on the species. Stamens are numerous.
The fruit is a nut-like seed, oblong-ovoid in shape. Determining what type of plant a lotus belongs to helps to understand its seed, since the embryo grows 2 lateral cotyledons; hence the name - dicotyledons.
How to activate the magical properties of amulets and amulets
To activate the amulet and endow it with magical powers, it is recommended to take it in your hand and perform meditation.
- Close your eyes;
- Imagine a clear lake full of beautiful lotus flowers;
- Imagine yourself sitting on a huge flower;
- Feel the warmth and light energy that comes from bottom to top and fills every cell of your body with vital energy;
- Now imagine how the energy passes into the amulet that you hold in your palm and it begins to fill with sparkling shine.
This meditation should be repeated daily in the morning or afternoon for 8 days. It is not recommended to do it in the evening, as the body gets tired and weak by the end of the day.
Only such an amulet charged with energy will protect you and protect you from negative influences.
Unactivated amulets are worn as decoration, but they do not provide any power or protection to their owner.
“Lotus flowers are a ship on which someone drowning in the ocean of life can find salvation.”
Useful and medicinal properties (chemical composition)
Scientists write reports and articles on the topic that pharmacological substances contain lotus seeds, leaves, flowers and rhizomes. Chemical constituents include alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and polyphenols, and minerals.
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The seeds contain protein, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, starch and tannins. The composition includes the following alkaloids: N-nornciferin, O-nornciferin, nuciferin and rimerin.
Photo: Lotus
The starch in the rhizomes is comparable to corn and potato starch. Vitamin content includes: thiamine - 0.22 mg per 100 g, riboflavin - 0.6 mg per 100 g, niacin - 2.10 mg per 100 g and ascorbic acid - 1.5 mg per 100 g.
The seeds are classified as astringent and beneficial for the kidneys, spleen and heart. They are used to treat weak sexual function in men and leukorrhea in women. The seeds also help in treating anxiety, palpitations and insomnia. The leaves are used in combination with other herbs to treat sunstroke, dysentery, fever and vomiting of blood.
Temporary lotus tattoo
Most people are confused about the terms. What is a temporary tattoo? There are two options:
- Tattoo with henna;
- A real tattoo, when applied, the ink is inserted less deeply.
In the first case, your drawing is simply washed off, because... We are talking about natural plant pigment. In the second, disappointment awaits. Most of these tattoos turn into an unsightly stain on your skin. Applying a permanent tattoo (covering) will help eliminate the problem.
History of the lotus flower
It is known that the lotus flower existed between 145.5 million and 65.5 million years ago. At that time, it grew in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Over time, as the Earth cooled and dried out, the flower's habitat shrank significantly, especially during the Ice Age, which began 1.8 million years ago and ended 10,000 years ago. It is native to the Old World, growing from Iran in the west to Japan in the east. There is even a hardy species of lotus, scientifically named Nelumbo komavorii, which can be found in Vladivostok, Russia.
Lotus as a food product
INTERESTING: Lotuses are not only beautiful, but also very tasty. The seeds from the capsule located in the middle of the inflorescence are eaten. They taste sweet. All other parts of the plant are also suitable for food.
The lotus has earned the love of the people of India, not only for its grace, but also thanks to its gastronomic qualities. Lotuses have traditionally been both food and medicine for Indians.
Lotus fruit
- Lotus fruits intended for human consumption can be seen on the streets of Asian cities.
- In order to harvest the harvest, you have to work hard: the lotus is usually harvested while standing waist-deep in water.
- In India, famine has claimed the lives of more than 60 million people over the past three centuries. The last cases of mass famine date back to 1943 and 1966. Therefore, in addition to the aesthetic role, lotuses also play an important role as a food product that grows in the wild and can saturate.
Rules for growing and caring for plants at home
The flowers of the plant will color a pond or pond. But first, familiarize yourself with the growing conditions.
Growing
- Place the seeds in a glass of warm water, first apply a tripe to one end.
- Discard seeds that float on the surface of the water because they may not be fertile.
- Change the water every day until they sprout.
- Plant the seeds in 10cm pots filled with good garden soil by making a hole in the pot and planting one seed in each pot. Gently cover the root with soil or gravel.
- Place the pot in a bright place.
- Please note that the flowers are unlikely to bloom for the first year after planting.
Care
- Large amounts of fertilizer cause leaf burn.
- Feed the established plant every 3 or 4 weeks during the growing season.
- It is important to protect lotus roots from freezing.
- Lotus can overwinter in a pond if the pond depth is below the frost line for your area.
- In late autumn, cut off the yellowed foliage and lower the plant into the deepest part of the pond.
Structure
Its leaves and petals never get wet due to the fact that they are covered with a coating with a high wax content. This plant has large rhizomes. The leaves of the Blue Lotus can be either standing, submerged or floating. The flowers of this plant are large - their diameter is 30 cm. During flowering, the flower of the plant always faces in the same direction as the Sun. At this time, the flowers come out of the water and bloom. A yellowish corolla and scale-like plates on the stems of the plant become visible. During the flowering period, you can better see the above-water leaves, which are thyroid-shaped and funnel-shaped.
The fruit of the plant is located inside the carpel, has a cone shape and is a nut in which there is a hole for breathing. Usually there are many such nuts in a lotus. Lotus seeds are very tenacious, they can turn into a Blue Lotus, even if they have lain for a hundred years before.
