The lotus flower is a sacred symbol in Buddhism, representing spiritual transformation, faith, and purity.
That’s why you see the flower sat on by the Buddha or held above his cradling palms. He shows that there’s a way out of suffering and despair no matter your situation and inner state.
As the impressive lotus comes in different colors, so do its meanings. But in general, the lotus symbolizes every person’s spiritual journey.
We will further explore the Buddhist lotus flower in this guide, including its history and specific color meanings.
The Origins of the Lotus Flower
The dignified lotus flower has been around for thousands of years. It was fondly mentioned in Ancient Greek folktales and Egyptian tablets, and it’s also important in Australian and Southeast Asian cultures.
According to a legend in the Lotus Sutra, one of the most important Buddhist books, the lotus flower grew wherever the Baby Buddha stepped.
It’s a great symbol of the divine being. From such a young age, he was already destined for a grand purpose for humankind—to teach and liberate them from suffering.
The Meaning of the Lotus Flower
Observing the lotus flower grow is profound.
First, its roots emerge and establish themselves in the pond soil. Tall stems rise through the water, and upon getting the first ray of sunlight, the remarkable flower opens its petals one by one.
Each phase of the growth of the lotus flower is essential because one leads up to another higher state. It’s a good metaphor for growth. If you want to gain wisdom, you have to rise above obstacles and challenges first.
So, it follows that a closed lotus flower represents a person that has recently discovered the Buddha’s teachings. A fully bloomed lotus signifies that the person has become enlightened.
Enlightenment occurs if a person is free of desire and fear, without attachment to worldly possessions and events. And so, they feel deep and pleasant inner peace.
But if the flower has bloomed partially with the center still hidden from sight, then it’s said the person hasn’t reached the completion of their spiritual journey.
As a result of changed thinking, the speech and actions of the person toward his neighbor, friends, or family becomes better. He now acts out of compassion and patience.
These, too, the lotus flower has come to signify—purity, refinement, and grace.
Some people like to wear jewelry designed with any kind of lotus flower. This is believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Different Colors of the Lotus Flower
Common lotus colors include pink, blue, purple, red, and white. Let’s look at what each of them means.
Pink is the most popular hue of the lotus flower. In fact, it’s regarded as the primary and true lotus color. It stands for one’s spiritual path and enlightenment.
Even so, purple lotuses also take a significant meaning in Buddhism. The eight petals of the purple lotus represent the Noble Eightfold Path.
There’s also the dashing red lotus, which means romance and compassion. This is excellent to give to someone you truly love and care about.
Like most white blooms, the white lotus is associated with peace, innocence, and purity.
Lastly, a blue lotus flower is associated with spiritual wisdom and knowledge. A person is said to be spiritually wise if he is less affected or remains calm amid most exterior circumstances, whether they’re good or bad.
