L O T U S S Y M B O L
From the earliest times in Buddhism, from approximately the 2nd-3rd Century BCE, the lotus has been recognized as a symbol of purity. In nature, the lotus has roots which are embedded in filthy mud, yet it emerges pristine and free from all impurities. This mystical transformation from a seed mired in mud to a beautiful flower …
It becomes the seat of all Buddhahood, for all Buddha’s, bodhisattvas, and enlightened beings, so that they are shown seated or standing upon the symbol of a lotus. The best example may be of Padma Sabambhava, who was born in the center of a lotus blossom in the middle of a lake belonging to a famous king. His name actually means, “lotus born”— padma meaning lotus.
