The Buddhist Lotus Symbol

In Buddhism the lotus flower is one of the most poignant representations of Buddhist teachings and is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. The lotus flower has a strong pleasant odor and is the only water dwelling plant to regularly rise eight to twelve inches above the surface. This flower has inspired many people through out many cultures, it is small, yet strong, carring deep rooted symbolism.

The Lotus is Buddhism's best recognized motif it is used in all kinds of Buddhist art across all Buddhist cultures. Scrolling lotuses often embellish Buddhist textiles, ceramics and architecture. They can also be found as part of the many symbols, where the number of pedals is of great importance.

The growth pattern of a lotus flower signify the progress of the soul. The roots of a lotus flower grow from the primeval mud of materialism, the stem then grows up through the waters of experience, where it lies pristinely above the water, and basks in the bright sunshine of enlightenment.

According to scholars, "in esoteric Buddhism, the heart of the being is like an unopened lotus: when the virtues of the Buddha develop therein, the lotus blossoms; that is why the Buddha sits on a lotus bloom." Almost every important Buddhist deity can be associated in some way with the lotus, either being seated upon a lotus in full bloom or holding one in their hands. Some images of standing Buddhas will go as far as to have each foot rests on a separate lotus.

Finally the color of the lotus is as important to the symbolism associated with it. The white Lotus represents a state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity. It is associated with the White Tara who will proclaim her perfect nature, a quality which is reinforced by the color of her body. Pink is the supreme lotus, mostly reserved for the highest deity. Naturally it is associated with the Great Buddha himself. Red signifies the original nature and purity of the heart. It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion and all other qualities of the heart. It is the flower of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The blue Lotus is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. It is the preferred flower of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

The Location of the Chakras

The Seven major chakras of the body each have their own purpose in the body. They are arranged in ascending order from the root close to the earth to the crown at the highest point in the body. Each Chakra is vibrating at it's own frequency which means that each has a specific purpose in the body. No chakra is more important than another they must all work together in order to create balance and harmony in the body.

The Root Chakra or Muladhara is closest to the earth, it is the base support for the 3 main psychic channels, ida, pingala and sushumna. Unless you are born with a “gift” these channels remain dormant in the body until the kundalini shakti, also known as great spiritual potential, is taped into and refined, thus causing an evolution in human psyche. Muladhara draws down spiritual energy and allows that energy to assume a physical existence. The Root Chakra is located at the perineum near the anus, it is closely related to the reproductive process and feelings of fear and guilt. This chakra's symbol is represented on a lotus flower with four petals,by the colour red and the Earth element.

All of the lower chakras govern emotions, which is where you get the term “gut feeling”. The Sacral chakra is located about two finger widths below the belly button where it governs feeling and sexuality. When this chakra is balanced, your feelings will be able to flow freely, and you can express yourself without being over-emotional. The Navel chakra is helpful when asserting yourself in a group, when balanced you feel in control and you have positive self esteem. It is located just below the sternum and can be recognized by it's yellow colour. Naturally the Heart chakra is about love. When it is balanced, you are more freely compassionate and friendly. The heart as you can imagine is located in the chest and is represented by green which is the next colour in the spectrum.

The upper chakras are in charge of logical processes and creativity. The Throat chakra governs self-expression and talking which make sense because it is located in the throat. When it is balanced, you will have no problem expressing yourself, but is it is easy to block this chakra by telling lies and talking too much. The Third Eye is found on the forehead where it governs insight and visualization. The third eye does not help you to see the physical world, but intuition and dreams grow here. Be aware of an over-active third eye where you begin to live in a world of fantasy. The Crown chakra also known as Sahasrara is the center of wisdom and being one with the world. It is located at the top of the head and is the most subtle of all the chakras. The Crown is represented on a violet lotus flower with 1000 petals, arranged in 20 layers each with 50 petals. This chakra is related to pure consciousness, and it is from here that all other chakras emanate.

Each of the Seven major chakras have a distinct purpose in the body. Where they are located, as you have seen, is indicative of the task each Chakra is responsible for. The vibrations tell the body how to act and respond in any given situation. Without our chakras our bodies would be empty shells and they must all work together in order to create balance in our lives.