Flower is the most common things that given to “someone” or “group”as a gift/present. I remembered, ever post about sunflower meaning before and now I comes out with Lotus. In japan, Lotus means far from the ones love and purity. In Buddhism, lotus always describe as purity, spiritual awakening and faithfulness. that’s why if you see the sculpture in temple/vihara/cetiya, buddhas and boddhisattvas sit above lotus flower.
Different country, different culture and different people have their own explanation about flowers and for lotus, I agree it symbolize purity since lotus grow in dirty pond but still has fresh and clean flower.
The main symbolism of the lotus flower and their meanings are given here.
- Blue Lotus: The blue Lotus is associated with a victory of the spirit over that of wisdom, intelligence and knowledge. If you get to see it a blue Lotus in Buddhist art you will notice that it is always depicted as being partially open and the centre is never observed.
- White Lotus: this color lotus is known to symbolize Bodhi (being awakened), and represents a state of mental purity, and that of spiritual perfection; it is also associated with the pacification of one’s nature. This lotus is considered to be the womb of the world.
- Purple Lotus: known to be Mystic and is associated with esoteric sects. It can be shown depicted as either an open flower or as a bud. The eight petals of the purple Lotus are representative of the noble eightfold path; one of the principal teachings of the Buddha. Following this path is thought to lead to self awakening, and is considered one of the noble truths.
- Pink lotus: this is the supreme lotus and is considered to be the true lotus of Buddha.
- Red lotus: this is related to the heart, and the Lotus flower meaning is associated with that of love and compassion.
source:
wikipedia
Lotus flower meaning
japanese flower language
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