The Beauty of the Lotus Flower

Lake in Bloom II Art Print
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The lotus is an aquatic plant native to southern Asia and Australia although is grows heartily in many other regions. It has large green leaves like a lily pad, richly colored petals, and a large, yellow seedpod. It's scientific name is Nelumbo Nucifera. The lotus is a lovely vision of pink, white blue, or purple floating out on the pond with it's bright green leaves. The petals, stamen and root of the lotus are even edible - Scroll down further for a lotus flower recipe!

"The lotus is an Asian water lily known for the delicate beauty of its water flowers. It possesses an amazing ability to flourish in a variety of environments ranging from clear ponds to muddy marshes. It is also known for its exceptionally hearty seedpods, which often plant themselves far from its source, bringing the beauty of the lotus blossoms everywhere."






Quote from Lotus: The Flower, The Symbol
Photot by tanakawho

The lotus flower grows up through the muck in muddy swamps and ponds. It opens and blooms at dawn, then closes and returns to the darkness at dusk. It is this ability to thrive and persevere in a dirty, inhospitable environment that inspires the symbolism of the lotus.

The lotus commonly represents the Higher, Divine Self. It is a symbol of enlightenment. As harsh and dark as the world can be, each and every one of us is still connected with our greater, sacred Self. This concept is highlighted in the Buddhist Lotus Sutra. Each person has the inherent ability to reach his or her full potential, and therefore, "bloom" in the midst of the muck. The sanskrit mantra Om Mane Padme Hum can be translated as "The Jewel is in the Lotus." The Jewel (our enlightened Self) is in the Lotus (in our human manifestation).

The lotus also represents purity, because the mud of the swamp does not mar its beauty. Egyptian artifacts bear drawings of the lotus as it was the flower of royalty. The blooming in the morning and folding in at dusk represent rebirth and regeneration. The chakras of the body are all represented with a different lotus flower per chakra.

The lotus is also the symbol of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. "The Lotus in Eastern Culture bears a similar symbolism to the Rose in Christianity. In Buddhism and Hinduism many of the deities are pictured sitting upon a lotus or holding a lotus blossom, the symbol of enlightenment."

Quote from Lotus: The Flower, The Symbol
Lakshmi Print available at Mandala.com

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Lotus Art Print
Deveraux, Jill
32.63 in. x 39.38 in.
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Stir-Fried Lotus Root - Yonkun Jorim (Recipe from Korea)

Ingredients:

Lotus root : 7 oz (200 g)
Soy sauce : 4 tbs
Salad oil : 2 tbs
Sugar : 2 tbs
Sesame seed, roasted : 1 tsp


Method:

1. Wash and peel the lotus roots, then slice them about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Heat the salad oil in a fry pan. Cook the lotus roots over medium heat.

3. Mix soy sauce with sugar well. When lotus roots are almost done, add the mixed sauce.

4. Cover the lid of the pan. Boil the lotus roots down over low heat until they become glossy and the mixed sauce dwindles away into almost nothing.

5. Transfer it to a serving plate. Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds.

Recipe from Valentine.gr