Lotus Pond

11 X 17 Signed and Numbered

“One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus is untouched by water.”

— Bhagavad Gita 5.10:

To me the lotus is a moving, lovely reflection of pure beauty. In my Buddhist studies I have found Gautama Buddha was born with the ability to walk with lotus flowers blooming everywhere he stepped. The unfolding petals suggest the expansion of the soul. Also the lotus represents purity of the body, speech, and mind as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. Because the lotus grows in muddy water, it symbolizes the purity of enlightened mind arising amidst the suffering of samsara.

The flower’s stage of growth represents different stages on the path to enlightenment. A closed bud symbolizes the time before enlightenment, while a fully bloomed lotus represents full enlightenment. Sometimes a flower is partly open, with its center hidden, indicating that enlightenment is beyond ordinary sight

Different-colored lotuses have different meanings.

White; Represents mental purity and spiritual perfection.

Red; The symbol of love and compassion.

Blue; Represents wisdom and intelligence is always pictured partially opened.

Gold; Represents the achievement of complete enlightenment.