Science behind Hindu culture : Why do we consider the lotus as special?

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These Q&A are from Swami Chinmayananda's book 'Hindu Rituals'. You can either

buy the book or go to google and give search "Hindu rituals" by Swami

chinmayananda

 

 

 

Why do we consider the lotus as special?

 

By Swami

 

Chinmayananda

 

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam,

sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are

compared to a lotus (i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the

heart etc.). The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly,

our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even

in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings,

reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful

within, under all circumstances. The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is

always in water.

 

It symbolises the man of wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by

the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad

Geeta:

 

Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani

 

Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha

 

Lipyate na sa paapena Padma

 

patram ivaambhasaa.

 

He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the

Supreme),abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf

remains unaffected by the water on it.

>From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a

discipline to be practised by all saadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees.

Our bodies have certain energy centres described in the Yoga Shaastras

aschakras.

 

Each one is associated with lotus that have a certain number of petals. For

example, the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi

attains Godhood or Realisation, is represented by a lotus with a thousand

petals. Also, the

lotus posture (padmaasana) is recommended when one sits for

meditation. A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord

 

Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus

symbolises the link between the creator and the supreme Cause.

 

It also symbolises Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of

the swastika is said to have evolved from the

lotus.