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Buddhists/Lotus Flower

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Expert: - 1/8/2007


Question
Can you please what is the significance of the lotus flower to Buddhists?

Answer
Hi Roger,

The lotus plant grows in muddy water.  Its flowers rise above the muddy water with full splendour in shape, colour and fragrant scent.  Both its leaves and flowers repel any polluted water from their surfaces.  The muddy water symbolizes our defilements.  Rising above the muddy water symbolizes our inherent ability to cultivate goodness and rise above all evils.  It also reminds us that each of us has the seed of goodness which may be latent in our nature, awaiting the opportune time to sprout.  The purity, beauty and fragrance of the lotus flower symbolizes our goodness in each of us; and our ability to rise above all evils.

As with all component things, even the beauty of the lotus flower will fade and die off.  This signifies the impermanence of all component things.

Of course there are other interpretations of the lotus flower;  compassion, purity, the Buddha, the Dhamma, etc.  So take your pick!

Smile from justinchoo :-)

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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