Significance of Beautiful lotus flower

The Beautiful lotus flower serves as a significant metaphor across various traditions. In Buddhism, it symbolizes purity and beauty associated with the monk's meditation focus, reflecting potential for spiritual enlightenment. Vaishnavism uses the lotus to contrast beauty against decay, while in the Purana, it signifies devotion through an offering to Lord Shiva. Each perspective underscores the lotus's representation of purity, beauty, and spiritual significance within these religious contexts.1

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Beautiful lotus flower'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Beautiful lotus flower symbolizes purity and beauty, representing Sumedha's complexion, and serves as a tangible meditation focus created by the Buddha, embodying the journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

Significance of Beautiful lotus flower in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):

Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A symbolic and tangible object created by the Buddha for the monk to focus on during meditation, representing beauty and the potential for spiritual enlightenment.^[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance of Beautiful lotus flower in Buddhism (general):

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) A metaphor used to describe Sumedha's complexion, symbolizing purity and beauty.^[2]

Hindu concept of 'Beautiful lotus flower'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Beautiful lotus flower symbolizes purity and devotion, often representing an offering to Lord Shiva, contrasting death's appearance with beauty, and serves as a ritualistic drawing symbolizing purity and beauty.

Significance of Beautiful lotus flower in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A symbol of purity and beauty, which is to be drawn during the ritual.^[3]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) A metaphorical description of beauty and purity, contrasting the appearance of someone in a typical dying state.^[4]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance of Beautiful lotus flower in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya

(1) An offering made by the bird to Lord Shiva, symbolizing purity and devotion.^[5]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Last Updated: 25 September, 2024