The Lotus Flower – why is it so significant?
The Lotus flower is a symbol of determination, growth, strength and beauty. It rises from a place of darkness through the mud and murk to flower beautifully in the light of the sun.
This tiny seed has a challenging journey, buried deep in mud and passing through muddy and murky water, the lotus moves through the darkness into the light and produces beautiful blossoms as it enters into the next stage of its life. Lotus flowers symbolise strength among adversity.
The Lotus reminds us that if we maintain a strong connection to the Earth (as this tiny seed does rooting to the stable energy beneath it) we can grow and progress to reach our maximum potential. We can integrate this theory through our yoga practices, by working to establish a strong connection to the earth and then build our postures from the ground up; this will bring greater stability and a solid foundation for all our postures. In a vinyasa practice it will bring greater freedom to our movement and allow us to move our bodies effortlessly with strength and grace.
At night, the lotus flower closes and sinks below the water. The next day it resurfaces untouched and just as beautiful, to the lotus each day is a new beginning and a fresh start. We can draw on this as each time we roll out our yoga mats as we are starting our practise again; each practise is a new beginning, during which we might face different challenges or different conditions.
In Buddhist studies, the mud represents human suffering. The lotus flower grows through the mud and the murk, representing humans rising above their earthly woes to enter a state of enlightenment.
The Indian Lotus flower symbolizes enlightenment, divinity, fertility, wealth, and knowledge. Many Indian deities are depicted sitting on a fully blossomed lotus flower, or holding a lotus flower.
The lotus is also known as the water lily. Lilies are often associated with Easter and the resurrection of Christ. The Virgin Mary is often depicted with the lily, symbolising her virginity and purity.
In both Eastern and Christian religions this flower represents spiritual development and self- realization.
As the Lotus is surrounded by water, it is also important to consider, that water is the element of the sacral chakra Svadhisthana. Water is present in this chakra as a constant reminder that we all experience movement and emotional changes. Water moves freely, but when it is out of control it is extremely powerful, breath-taking and dangerous. The Lotus flowers immaculately being surrounded by this powerful element.
The Lotus Posture in Yoga - Padmasana
In Padmasana the feet and legs represent the petals of the lotus flower.
This posture helps to open the hips, strengthen the back, and improve the range of movement in the knee joints. It is also used as a base for meditation, chanting, and pranayama (breathing techniques). This posture is not for everyone.
Begin by sitting with a straight spine, then cross your right foot on top of your left thigh as close to your groin as possible. Now place the left foot onto the right thigh as close to the right groin as possible. Lightly rest your hands onto your thighs. It is possible to perform any suitable mudra or hand gesture whilst in padmasana.
If this is not comfortable for you sit with the ankles crossed and the hips elevated until you feel ready to perform this posture.
The lotus flower grows from the bottom of streams and muddy ponds and rises above the water to flower. It is extremely positive and symbolises rising above the suffering whilst remaining fully grounded in the earth and aspiring towards the divine.
This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.
