Resources
The Lotus
The lotus flower is a powerful symbol in Buddhism.
The lotus is rooted in the murky depths of lakes and ponds, and may have to ascend for hundreds of feet through the mire before reaching the surface to produce and exquisite bloom. In just the same way, Buddhists believe that the mind has to ascend through many problems and stages before reaching the exquisite state of Enlightenment. In fact, it is the very mud and rubbish in the water which creates the perfect conditions for the lotus to grow. Also, the lotus flower is always pure and clean, despite growing in muddy waters. Similarly, a mind which has achieved Enlightenment cannot be affected by the negative states around it.
Lotus flowers are often depicted in Buddhist images – the Buddha himself is often shown sitting on a large lotus flower. Actual flowers are often offered in Buddhist holy places.
Children might like to make paper flowers, or draw them, using Buddhist patterns as a guide.
