The History, Symbolism & Meaning Of This Flower

The lotus has its place in a number of religions, particularly in the east. According to Dheepa Sundaram, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Denver, in Hinduism lotus flowers represent the bosom of the universe from which all things are born, as well as overcoming adversity.

"Lotus trees only grow in really swampy areas, this symbolizes the idea that we can all come together at this perfect moment out of ugliness and destruction and unrest," she previously explained to mbg.

The lotus flower also represents a connection, she added, "and in that respect it also has an indirect relation to the Buddhist idea of ​​the universal soul."

Emerging from murky water with clean petals, Vose adds that the lotus is considered a symbol of purity and transcendence, as well as spiritual purification and liberation (also known as nirvana). “In addition, the lotus is also a symbol of the unique source of creation,” he adds.

Feng Shui expert Anjie Cho expands on this idea and states that the lotus can also be viewed as the embodiment of a mandala with an outwardly expanding center. Within this center we find the unique source that Vose speaks of.

And in Hinduism, Cho adds, there is a popular mantra that describes the lotus as a symbol of enlightenment: Om mani padme hum, which is (roughly) translated from Sanskrit: Praise the jewel in the lotus.

“All the wisdom is in us, so the 'jewel', the 'treasure' is in us – and we are the lotus flower,” explains Cho.