 In the Orient, this flower has various symbolic
aspects but its main characteristics stem from the fact that it
blossoms on stagnant waters. This is why the lotus is seen as a symbol
of purity; although blossoming on murky waters it remains immaculate.
Rising out of the darkness to blossom in full sunlight, this flower is
the symbol of spiritual fulfilment. It represents manifestation that
emerges on the surface of the primeval waters, like the Cosmic Egg. The
closed bud contains the realization of the potential hidden in the
initial seed.
 The flower is also the symbol of cosmic energy since it has eight
petals, just as there are eight major directions of space. This is why
it is used in the drawing of many mandalas and yantras. Hindu
iconography depicts Vishnu sleeping on the surface of the causal Ocean
often represented in the shape of a lotus. From Vishnu’s navel emerges
a lotus in which sits Brahma.
According to Buddhists, the lotus represents the nature of Buddha,
unaffected by the surrounding Samsara. The Jewel in the Lotus, mani
padme, is the universe as the receptacle of Dharma, from which Nirvana
emanates. The Buddha, in the middle of the lotus, carries out his role
as Chakravarti. In the centre of the lotus Mount Meru can also be
found, the World’s Axis. The lotus with one thousand petals represents
revelation in its wholeness.
Japanese literature often uses the lotus as an image of morality.
In Ancient Egypt, the lotus symbolized birth and rebirth. It is the
first birth emerging from the primeval waters. The blue lotus is
venerated as the holiest of all.
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