|
The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in
water. It symbolizes 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 practiced by all saadhakas or spiritual seekers and
devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga
Shaastras as chakras.
Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For
example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the
top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Godhood or Realisation.
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 symbolizes the link
between the creator and the supreme Cause.
It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign
of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.
|
