The Glory of Lotus

 


#Know your Dharma

# Why is Lotus considered Sacred (Source:Sanatan Dharma Knowledge and Wisdom)

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram). 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-Gita:

Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani

Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha

Lipyate na sa paapena

Padma patram ivaambhasaa

Just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it, a person who acts without attachment, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme) is not tainted by sin.

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 and Lord Brahma originated from this lotus to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolizes the link between the Creator and the Supreme.

 

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