What is the significance of the lotus?

I was once asked about the significance of the lotus (padma पद्म), "Why the lotus? Of all the flowers that could have been chosen; what is it that makes the lotus so special? There is no question that it is beautiful, but is there something else that makes it so significant?" I gave an answer, but in truth, it was not a very satisfying one. So, in an effort to explore the beauty of the lotus, and shed a little more light on its multifaceted representations in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, I have written this blog post in the hope of providing you with something a little more fulfilling.

The lotus has long been venerated for its exquisite beauty, but it is far more than just a beautiful flower—it embodies deep spiritual meaning and serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth, purity, enlightenment, and the transcendent nature of reality. (This is essentially where my original answer came to a close, but for you, there is much more to delve into.)

Hindu traditions

In many South Asian and Hindu traditions, the lotus flower is highly revered and occupies a central place in both religion and mythology. It is associated with divinity, creation, and the unfolding of the spiritual path. The lotus is often depicted as the seat or throne of deities, symbolising their purity and transcendence over the material world. For example, the goddess Lakshmi, who is the bestower of boons and represents beauty, abundance, and prosperity, is often portrayed seated on a fully bloomed lotus, signifying her purity of heart and spirit, as well as her ability to rise above worldly attachments.

(Kamalatmika: The 10th Mahavidya and Tantric form of Lakshmi, the goddess of inner and outer prosperity)

The lotus is also connected to the concept of creation in Hindu mythology. According to ancient Indian cosmology, the lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and sustainer of the universe. From this lotus, Lord Brahma, the creator, is said to have emerged. This symbolism highlights the lotus as the source of creation and the potential for spiritual evolution.

In some lineages of Non-Dual Tantric Yoga, the lotus can represent the unfolding of consciousness and the realisation of non-dual awareness. The lotus, with its roots buried in the mud, represents the human condition immersed in the dualities of life - pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow, light and dark. However, despite these dualistic experiences, the lotus remains untouched and unaffected by its surroundings. It blossoms above the muddy waters, symbolising the potential for spiritual growth and the ability to transcend the limitations of duality. Within the same traditions, the lotus is also closely linked to the concept of Shakti, the divine feminine energy that represents the dynamic and creative power of the universe or Shiva. In Tantric practices, the lotus can also be associated with the yoni, the sacred feminine symbolising creation, regeneration, and the primal source of energy.

Yantras and mandalas

In the Tantric traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, we find yantras or mandalas, which are geometric patterns or symbols, instilled or 'enlivened' with a mantra, and frequently depict the petals of the lotus. Yantras are a sacred representation or form of divine energy or deity and can be used as a focal point or instrument for meditation and spiritual practice. They are considered powerful tools for focusing the mind, channelling energy, and invoking specific qualities. The shape of the lotus petals on yantras are often arranged in concentric circles, radiating out from the central bindu (dot/point), the point from which all creation and prana (life force) is said to emanate. There is so much more that could be written here about yantras and mandalas, but I feel that this subject really deserves its own blog post at some point in the future.

(Matangi yantra: The 9th Mahavidya and Tantric form of Saraswati, the goddess of music and learning. Matangi energy governs speech, music, knowledge and the arts)

Chakra systems

The journey and blossoming of the lotus flower can be seen in the chakra systems in Tantric and then later Hatha Yoga. While the lotus can be linked to nearly every chakra in different chakra systems, it is most often associated with the thousand-petaled lotus at the Sahasrara chakra, the crown chakra located at the top of the head or just above it, representing the highest level of consciousness and union. The unfolding petals of the lotus in artwork and illustrations aim to represent the progressive opening of the chakras, leading to the blossoming of the Sahasrara chakra at the crown. This awakening is said to bring about a direct experience of the divine and the realisation of one's essential oneness with the universe.

(The seven chakra system shows a different number of lotus petals at each chakra and the thousand-petaled lotus at the Sahasrara chakra/crown chakra)

Asanas and postural yoga

Within postural yoga, the lotus posture, or padmasana, is a commonly practised seated pose for pranayama and meditation. It is listed as one of the four essential asanas mentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pridipika, along with siddhasana (perfect posture), simhasana (lion posture) and bhadrasana (fortunate posture). Padmasana is believed to provide the practitioner with a strong and steady base from which to meditate as well as aid in opening the energy centres within the body and enable them to connect with the universal energy and attain a state of deep meditation. Just as the lotus grows towards the light, the practitioner seeks to cultivate spiritual growth, rising above the challenges and limitations of the material world. However, it is essential to recognise that padmasana may not be accessible or comfortable for everyone due to physical limitations or injuries. In such cases, alternative seated postures such as sukhasana (easy pose) or vajrasana (thunderbolt pose) could be adopted, allowing the practitioner to maintain an upright and relaxed posture for their seated practice.

(Padmasana/lotus pose)

Buddhist traditions

In Buddhism, the lotus flower holds profound symbolism and is not only revered as a sacred and powerful emblem but cherished. It is associated with the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and serves as a guiding metaphor for the path of spiritual awakening. The lotus is particularly prominent in Mahayana Buddhism and is closely linked to the concept of compassion and the bodhisattva ideal.

The lotus represents the potential for spiritual transformation and the emergence of enlightenment. In Buddhist teachings, practitioners are likened to lotus flowers that have the potential to rise above the muddy waters of worldly existence and blossom into beings of wisdom and compassion. Just as the lotus grows from the dark, murky depths of the pond and unfolds its petals towards the light, practitioners strive to transcend the suffering and delusion of the world and attain liberation.

The stages of lotus growth hold significant meaning in Buddhist symbolism. The closed lotus bud represents the potential for awakening, the partially open lotus symbolises the gradual unfolding of wisdom, and the fully bloomed lotus signifies the complete realisation of enlightenment. This progression serves as a reminder that spiritual realisation is a gradual process that unfolds over time, with each stage representing a deeper understanding and embodiment of truth.

The lotus also embodies the Zen Buddhist principle of "suchness" or "thusness," which emphasises the direct experience of reality beyond conceptualisation. Zen masters often use the lotus flower as a subject of meditation to direct practitioners' attention to the present moment and to cultivate a direct, non-conceptual experience of reality. The lotus flower, with its vivid colours and delicate beauty, becomes a focal point for practitioners to anchor their awareness and delve into the depths of direct perception.

The lotus is also linked to the concept of non-attachment in Buddhist philosophy. Just as the lotus flower remains unaffected by the muddy waters in which it grows, practitioners are encouraged to cultivate non-attachment to the transient and impermanent aspects of existence. The lotus teaches that true freedom and liberation arise when one can remain centred and unaffected by the ups and downs of life, embracing the present moment with equanimity and compassion. Additionally, the lotus is associated with various Buddhist deities and figures. For example, the Buddha himself is often depicted seated or standing on a lotus, symbolising his purity, enlightenment, and transcendence over suffering. Similarly, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion, is often depicted holding a lotus flower, emphasising the inseparable connection between compassion and spiritual awakening.

(Avalokiteshvara)

A symbol of transformation

The significance of the lotus flower also extends through Yoga, Jainism, Daoism and Ancient Egyptian traditions, plus many other indigenous and earth wisdom traditions around the world, which we have not explored here. But it is fair to say that its symbolism expands far beyond its physical beauty, representing spiritual growth and the true nature of existence. In Hinduism, the lotus is linked to divinity, and creation, while in Buddhism, it represents the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and the embodiment of compassion. Whether it is the lotus as a seat of deities, the lotus posture in meditation, or the lotus as a metaphor for the spiritual path, this exquisite flower serves as a powerful reminder of our inherent potential for transformation.