9/7/2018 Asian Lotus

Egyptian Lotus .........Chinese Architecture Dictionary.........Japanese Architecture Dictionary

Illustrated Architecture Dictionary .

Asian Lotus

See also: Egyptian Lotus

Excerpts from
Wikipedia; Nelumbo Nucifera
(online Jan. 2014)

Nelumbo nucifera, known by numerous common names including Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of
India, or simply lotus, is one of two species of aquatic plant in the family Nelumbonaceae.

The flowers, seeds, young leaves, and "roots" (rhizomes) are all edible.

From ancient times the lotus has been a divine symbol in Asian traditions representing the virtues of
sexual purity and non-attachment.

Most deities of Asian religions are depicted as seated on a lotus flower.

In Buddhist symbolism, the lotus represents purity of the body, speech, and mind as if floating
above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. According to legend, Gautama Buddha was born
with the ability to walk, and lotus flowers bloomed everywhere he stepped. The lotus’ importance
comes from Buddhism and is one of the eight precious things in Buddhism.

Hindus revere the lotus with the divinities Vishnu and Lakshmi often portrayed on a pink lotus in
iconography. In the representation of Vishnu as Padmanabha (Lotus navel), a lotus issues from his
navel with Brahma on it. Goddess Sarasvati is portrayed on a white-colored lotus.

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A common misconception is referring to the lotus as a water lily (Nymphaea), an entirely different
plant.

Excerpts from
Buddhists.org: The Meaning of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism
(online Jan. 2014)

The lotus flower represents one symbol of fortune in Buddhism. It grows in muddy water, and it is
this environment that gives forth the flower’s first and most literal meaning: rising and blooming
above the murk to achieve enlightenment.

The second meaning, which is related to the first is purification. It resembles the purifying of the
spirit which is born into murkiness. The third meaning refers to faithfulness. Those who are
working to rise above the muddy waters will need to be faithful followers.

The stage of growth the lotus flower is in represents a different stage of enlightenment. A closed
lotus flower represents the time before a Buddhist follower found Buddha or enlightenment. A lotus
flower fully bloomed and open represents full enlightenment and self-awareness.

The mud represents an importance in the meaning of the lotus flower in Buddhism. All humans are
born in a world where there is suffering. This suffering is a vital part of the human experience; it
makes us stronger and teaches us to resist the temptation of evil. When we banish evil thoughts from
our mind we are able to break free of the muddy water and become one with the Buddha. The mud
shows us who we are and teaches us to choose the right path over the easy one.

Finally, the lotus flower represents rebirth, both in a figurative and a literal sense.

- Buddhists.org (online Jan. 2014)

Excerpts from
Wikipedia: Lotus Position
(online Jan. 2014)

The Lotus Position is a cross-legged sitting asana [a body position, typically associated with the
practice of Yoga, originally identified as a mastery of sitting still] originating in meditative practices
of ancient India, in which the feet are placed on the opposing thighs.

It is an established asana, commonly used for meditation, in the Hindu Yoga, Jain and Buddhist
contemplative traditions. The asana is said to resemble a lotus, to encourage breathing proper to
associated meditative practice, and to foster physical stability.

Shiva, the meditating ascetic God of Hinduism, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, and
the Jinas of Jainism have been depicted in the lotus position.

Examples:

Left illustration above - Painting: "Lotus and Dragonfly," Shanghai Museum, China

Right illustration above - column decoration: Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China

Lotus plants - Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura, Japan

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2 tile-ends - Shaanxi History Museum, China

Stone Buddha - Shanghai Museum, China

Building roof - Centre Building, Bund, Shanghai, China

Ceramic jar with interlaced lotus - Shanghai Museum, China

Ceramic statue of Buddha - Shanghai Museum, China

Ceramic bowl with interlaced lotus - Shanghai Museum, China

Ceramic pillow - Shanghai Museum, China

Ceramic bodhisattva - Shanghai Museum, China

Bronze lotus plant - Great Buddha of Kamakura, Japan

Bronze lotus plant - Buddhist Todaiji Temple, Nara, Japan

Gilded finial - Kiyomizudera Buddhist Temple

Photos and their arrangement © 2013 Chuck LaChiusa

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