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SriRangaSri List Archive: Message 00095 Mar 2003

 
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The Lotus is India's national flower and rightly so. Not long ago, the
lakes and ponds of India were full of many hued lotuses.The lotus is the 
symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam,shivam, sundaram). The 
Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to 
a lotus(ie. lots-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands,
the lotus of heart etc.). Our scriptures and ancient literature describe the 
beauty of the lotus. Art and architechture also portray the lotus in various 
decorative motifs and paintings. Many people have names of or related to the 
lotus: Padma, Pankaja, Kamal, Kamala, Kamalakshni etc. The Goddess of 
wealth, Lakshmi, sits on a lotus and carries one in Her hand.

The lotus blooms with the rising sun and closes at night. Similarly, our 
minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even 
in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its 
surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure 
and beautiful within, under all circumstances. The lotus leaf never gets wet 
although it is always in water. It symbolises the man of wisdom (gyani who 
remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. The lotus 
posture, padmaasana is recommended when one sits for meditation.

A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Bhrahma originated
from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolises the link between 
the creator and the supreme Cause. It also symbolises Brahmaloka, the abode 
of Lord Brahma.

The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the 
lotus.From the above, we can well appreciate why the lotus in India's 
national flower and so special to Hindus.





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