The lotus flower flourishes in shallow ponds and near the edges of larger bodies of water. It grows up from the soil, through water, and then into the air. In this way, the flower, metaphorically as well as literally, connects the three spheres of earthly existence – land, sea, sky – and embraces the metaphorical associations attributed to each. The lotus is the symbol of absolute purity; it grows from the dark watery mire but is untainted or unstained by it.

The lotus’ blossoms achieve unblemished beauty after their birth in the muck of earthly platitude. They open and close in perfect harmony with the ebb and flow of the sun. Its base sits flush upon the water; gently rocking with the tidings and ripples. In these ways the flower represents effortlessness, direction, and the attainment of beauty. It is a perfect metaphor from which to view the grand unity of all existence, a graceful acceptance of worldly processes, the attainments resulting from an upright life of religious observance and, taken all together, the Tibetan Buddha Dharma.

size: 5.6" x 5.6" x 7.2" tall

This design is also available in our hanging lantern and nightlight.