Lotus Flower
This beautiful symbol has played an important part in both ancient
Egypt religion and in sacred Buddhist teachings. For instance, it
played an crucial role in the old story of creation that originated in
Helipolis. It was said that before the universe was created, there was
endless stagnant water, which created the being called Nun. A lotus
flower emerged from Nun, along with a mound of dry land. When the lotus
flower opened, the sun god Atum (or Ra) emerged. It was in the folds of
the lotus flower that he returned to every night.
The interesting characteristics of the Lotus flower have made it into
an apt symbol for rebirth, creation or detachment (in the Buddhist
sense). This flower rises from the depths of muddy waters and opens its
lovely pink or white petals during the day, then closes them at night
again, only to rise again during daybreak.
In Buddhism, the Lotus flower has become the symbol of the whole
essence of the religion. Because this flower is the only one of its
kind that rises about 12 inches above water, it is said to represent
the pure spirit of man, which aims to rise above the muddiness of the
world. It is also believed that the teachings of Buddha allow virtues
to develop within man, causing him to open up, as the petals of a Lotus
flower does.
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