Significance of White lotus
Synonyms: Nymphaea alba, Water lily, Sacred lotus, Lily, White water lily
In Dutch: Witte lotus; In Finnish: Valkoinen lootus; In Spanish: Loto blanco; In German: Weißer Lotus; In Swedish: Vit lotusblomma; In Malay: Teratai putih; In French: Lotus blanc; In Italian: Loto bianco; In Portugese: Lótus branco; In Polish: Biały lotos
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'White lotus'
In Buddhism, the White lotus symbolizes Buddha-qualities, emerging from adversity like the flower from muddy waters. It also represents teachings on karma and the potential for enlightenment, and it is linked to Avalokiteshvara.
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) This refers to a type of flower that does not grow on dry ground but grows in swamps and mud banks, used as a metaphor for Buddha-qualities.[1]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Buddha Shakyamuni was 'praised as the White Lotus', or pad dkar ltar bsngags, by all the other buddhas of this aeon due to his extraordinarily compassionate development of bodhicitta and the marvelous five hundred aspirations he made.[2]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A specific text or teaching that illustrates the concept of karma as a painter, creating various experiences in life.[3]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This refers to a religious movement or teaching, which has been a subject of study in Chinese religious history, and is an important topic.[4]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) This is another example of a lotus pond, and the Buddha surveyed the world with His Buddha-Vision, and he saw beings with little and much dust in their eyes, with keen and dull intellect.[5]
Hindu concept of 'White lotus'
In Hinduism, the white lotus is a multifaceted symbol. It represents purity, beauty, and enlightenment, often associated with deities, spiritual practices, and the heart. It appears in metaphors, rituals, and descriptions of the divine, signifying auspiciousness and inner awakening.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) This flower blushes with its smiling petals upon perceiving moonbeams, a comparison used for Dasura's happy countenance.[6] (2) A metaphor used to describe Rama's face, indicating purity and beauty, which is now fading.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A specific type of lotus flower often associated with purity and spiritual enlightenment.[8]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A specific type of lotus depicted in rituals, symbolizing spiritual purity and enlightenment.[9]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Ganges shines like the Full Moon, is white like white lotus and like milk.[10]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The seat of the presiding Shakti Hakini, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment.[11] (2) Symbolizing purity and enlightenment, Hakini is described as seated on a white Lotus.[12]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) The wonderful Lotus consisting of twelve letters that is significant in spiritual worship, situated within the womb of, and inseparable from, the pericarp.[13]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The white lotus symbolizes all auspiciousness that blossoms in the presence of the holy name, reflecting purity and spiritual enlightenment.[14]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A symbol of beauty and purity that flourished during the month of Kartik.[15]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The White Lotus is a key symbol and metaphor, serving as the small Palace within the city of Brahman and representing the location where Brahman is apprehended by those who have withdrawn their organs and are devoted to practices like celibacy and truth.[16] (2) The white lotus of the Heart is declared to be the place where the Self can be perceived, where all true desires are concealed by the untrue, and celibacy is a means of meditating upon the Self.[17]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) White lotus is one of the ingredients used in the unguent for headache relief, as described in the text, and is used in conjunction with other ingredients, such as deodar and costus.[18]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) The text mentions that the visual field in Kaphaja Timira resembles white lotus, which correlates with slit-lamp findings in early cortical opacities.[19]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A permanent feature noted as a significant symbol associated with Devadatta's house, alongside the dais.[20]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) This phrase refers to the blossom, and the fame of the king filled up the three worlds, and went out through Vishnu’s navel, in the guise of it.[21]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The text indicates that one desiring learning should worship Goddess Sri with a 'white lotus', while those seeking power should use a red lotus.[22]
Jain concept of 'White lotus'
In Jainism, the white lotus symbolizes a spiritual goal, representing the best of Nymphaeas. It signifies purity and excellence, similar to Aparajita's son. The white lotus embodies an ideal for individuals to aspire towards.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) King Megharatha is compared to a white lotus in a pool while standing in meditation in the city Pundarikini, illustrating his purity and spiritual state.[23] (2) The color and shape of Aparajita's son, likened to a white lotus, representing purity and excellence among men.[24]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Symbolizing the best of Nymphaeas, it represents a goal or ideal that individuals aim to achieve.[25]
The concept of White lotus in local and regional sources
White lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. It represents a sanctuary of peace, where the speaker seeks belonging despite challenges. It also signifies transformation and the passage of time.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This represents a place of purity and peace, where the speaker hopes to find a place within its heart, despite the mud.[26] (2) A flower often associated with purity and beauty, whose petals symbolize the transient nature of life.[27]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The state the sender's head will become, symbolizing a transformation and the passage of time, as it is described in relation to the receiver.[28]
The concept of White lotus in scientific sources
White lotus, a term referencing the aquatic plant *Nymphaea alba*, is recognized for its large, round leaves and stunning multi-petaled white flowers. This plant is commonly known as white lotus.