Why did the lotus become a symbol of the Buddha?

Legend has it that a lotus is not a flower in the world but originates from heaven, a pure symbol of Buddha's realm. From paintings, statues, wherever there are Buddha images, we can see the Buddha sitting cross-legged on the lotus platform. According to the Buddhist scriptures, ' Buddha is seated in the lotus ' has a noble meaning: the Buddha Dharma is solemnly magical, and the lotus is soft, pure and fragrant. So, solemn lotus, pure aroma, where Buddha can be still.

There is another legend that said, one day, in front of a large number of people, the Buddha did not preach the Dharma but just quietly brought a lotus. When the public was still bewildered, did not understand, only the great disciple Ma-ha Ca-lettuce smiled. The Buddha then declared to the monks: 'I have the supreme Dharma to give Ma-ha Ca-lettuce. Ca-lettuce is a big refuge for monks, as Tathagata is a refuge for all sentient beings'. It can be seen that the lotus is not only a mere flower, but also a symbol of Buddha-nature and enlightenment.

The lotus implies that life is born in sarnsaric afflictions, through cultivation that is free from samsara. The lotus grows in the muddy mud, just like a human being has been immersed in sorrow in the world. Then the flowers rose up straight, is also the process of cultivation, shaking off the mud, near the mud without stinking of mud smell. When the flower protrudes from the surface of the water, it is also the time when the lotus petals bloom, radiating the fragrance under the sun, which is the time when Buddha counted by enlightenment to cultivate, the great flower blossoms.

The lotus is a symbol of Buddha nature and enlightenment.

It can be said that lotus is a feature that most scattered in Buddhist sutras: Primitive and Development mentioned. A great set of Mahayana scriptures that most Buddhists of Northern Tong Buddhism have more or less read, recite not only recitation but also are interested in studying and studying, that is the Lotus Sutra Pitaka.

In addition, the lotus is also symbolized in other areas of cultural characteristics of each nation according to Buddhism. Especially for Asian Buddhist countries. For Asian Buddhist countries, typically China and Vietnam . the lotus is displayed in the temple or through the flag badges or other badges of some Buddhist associations. Like a Buddhist Family, for example. And among the Buddhist sects there is a lotus flower named after a sect, the Pure Land Tong, also known as the Tong Tong.

Thus, let us generalize how important the lotus image in Buddhism is to its depth. Therefore, we would like to give a brief explanation only through some typical characteristics that are implicit in Buddhist teachings.

Lotus is also the national flower of Vietnam.

The lotus variety has the following 8 wonderful properties:

1. 1. Not infected.
2. 2. Chenghai bar.
3. 3. Be patient.
4. 4. Tablets
5. 5. Salary.
6. 6. On duty.
7. 7. Stupid no.
8. 8. Be honest.

Detail:

1. Non-infected properties: Although the lotus grows from muddy mud, its properties still don't smell of mud.

2. Cheng Qing : Cheng Qing is slang in. A special feature is that where a lotus grows, the water will never be cloudy. Therefore, when we pick a lotus, we do not need to wash it, because the lotus does not have mud. Because of its nature of purifying nature. This is to say that the symbolic meaning that, where there are Buddhas, Bodhisattvas are born, that place will bring sentient beings have a peaceful peace.

3. Patience : As we all know, the lotus is a kind of herbaceous root, that is, one sprouted from the roots of the previous year. The lotus of patience is very interesting. Its roots stay in the mud for a long time to wait when the conditions are fully converged and it will germinate immediately. That wait, that is the virtue of patience. This quality is essential in our daily lives. Those who have this quality of patience, when they go out to do something, they will certainly achieve success. Otherwise, it is difficult to achieve.

4. Tanh Vien Dung : This nature, especially only a lotus. Because the lotus has petals surrounding the round lotus mirror. This is representative of the enlightened nature of each being. Tanh Vien sensory beyond the category of treatment.

5. Thanh Luong: Normally, flowers compete in the spring, because spring is a cool season. On the contrary, they cannot bloom in Fall or Winter. Because Autumn is a season with drizzle and Winter is cold. Therefore, not suitable for pistil blooms.

Other than other flowers, lotus bloom in Summer, this is a hot season. This, in order to express the meaning of the Bodhisattva Buddhas born in the five degenerate lives, sentient beings full of afflictions, uncomfortable pressing, they bring compassionate nectar to water to soothe and cool people. .

6. On duty: Duty on the body is only for the upright. No flower grows, but the body (lotus stem) upright as a lotus. This, to exemplify: 'spiritual practitioners need to correct their bodies and minds righteously'.

Solemn lotus, pure aroma is where Buddha can be located.

7. Ngàn no: The lotus is straight, but its gut is empty. This special feature to express a very profound meaning is that austerities need to have a happy disposition. These two qualities Bodhisattva always perform. Speaking of happy discharge, we immediately think of Bodhisattva Maitreya.

8. Feeding: Other flowers, when the new flower buds bloom into fruiting and seedy. On the contrary, the lotus is not like that. If the lotus blossomed, there were already mirrors in the mirror. It is cause and effect simultaneously. This, speaks of a philosophy of life; Cause and effect are never different. Cause and effect like the picture with the ball, what shape, the ball like that.