The Lotus, India“s national flower, is a plant that grows in murky waters across our country. The plant stands as a symbol of purity and hope for many, and holds within itself a surprising wealth of lessons.
The roots of the Lotus weave through muddy waters and prepare a bright flower that will eventually rest in stark contrast to its surroundings. When the flower begins to open, it often does so one determined petal at a time. In full bloom the Lotus floats just above the water in angelic blossom framed by a muddy backdrop.
The Lotus has Many Lessons to Teach Us
The growth and blooming process of the lotus has struck countless hearts and minds throughout history. In particular, many renowned Buddhist and Hindu leaders, thinkers, and artists have put their thoughts down on paper or onto the canvas.
For example, in Hindu religion and mythology the goddess Saraswathi—the muse of learning— is illustrated seated on a lotus flower. And for Buddhists the flower commonly represents both beauty and de-attachment from this world.
But this blog post isn’t about Buddhism and Hinduism, it’s about recovery. So, in light of recovery, what can we learn from this unique plant? There are at least three things.
1. The Lotus blooms and flourishes amongst impurities
The mud providing nourishment to the roots of the Lotus is representative of our messy human lives. It is through these human experiences, suffering, and even addiction, that we must—like the Lotus—break away from and blossom.
We must believe that the power to break free from addiction can come from within and from around us. In the end, it will be our experiences, inner strength, and spirituality that allow us to continue living in this addiction-laden world, just not as a part of it.
2. The Lotus doesn’t look back
The Buddha was once asked if he was a god. He replied by saying,
“Just like a red, blue, or white lotus — born in the water, grown in the water, rising up above the water — stands unsmeared by the water, in the same way I — born in the world, grown in the world, having overcome the world — live unsmeared by the world. Remember me… as ‘awakened.’ “
As the Lotus grows and matures into a flower it doesn’t look back and despair at its surroundings or past—instead, the plant uses them to its advantage.
Those struggling with addiction should learn from what they’ve been through, and use their experience to their advantage as they recover from their previous lifestyle.
3. The Lotus represents something new
Ancient Egyptians commonly associated the Lotus with the idea of rebirth because of the flower’s tendency to retract into the water at night and emerge again in the sun the next day.
In order for an addict to truly overcome his addiction, he must—like the Lotus—change drastically into someone changed and new. Unlike the Lotus however, recovery will not happen overnight, instead it is a lifetime of change and renewal.
Go Observe a Lotus
If you never have before, or even if you have, take time someday soon to observe a Lotus and look for its symbolic properties of purity, determination, hope, and rebirth.
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FAQs
The water can symbolize experience and a transition to healing and recovery. The lotus can symbolize the purity of the soul, rebirth, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment. For thousands of years, the lotus has been associated with profound change.
What does the lotus mean in recovery? ›
The water can symbolize experience and a transition to healing and recovery. The lotus can symbolize the purity of the soul, rebirth, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment. For thousands of years, the lotus has been associated with profound change.
What does a lotus teach us? ›
Overcoming Adversity. The lotus plant's ability to bloom even in challenging habitats also symbolizes the ability to overcome challenges and adversity. If you look at a patch of lotus leaves sitting atop murky, swampy water, you may think the plants have no chance of producing their enchanting flowers.
What is the moral of the lotus flower? ›
“The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud --- the obstacles of life and its suffering. ... The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life. ...
Does lotus mean healing? ›
The lotus is a beautiful symbol of healing. The powerful lotus plant has been used in Traditional Eastern medicine and cuisine for centuries. The lotus has the title of India's national flower and is a symbol of purity in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. This plant's medicinal usage goes back generations.
What does lotus symbolize in wellness? ›
The lotus flower represents a journey from darkness and pain, represented by the muddy pond in which it starts to grow, to the light and wisdom seen in the perfect flower that sits above the water. So with this symbol, I encourage each of us to commit ourselves to embrace all aspects of our lives.
What does a lotus mean spiritually? ›
In Hinduism, the lotus represents spiritual enlightenment, beauty, fertility, purity, prosperity and eternity. It is said that there's a lotus flower in every Hindu's heart, and that when this lotus blooms, the person achieves enlightenment. The lotus is also an important symbol in the Hindu tantric tradition.
What is the flower of sobriety? ›
What can we learn about recovery from the lotus flower? This floral symbol of transformation teaches us many lessons about our spirit's cycle, from hiding in muddy water to blooming in the sun.
What plant symbolizes sobriety? ›
Swedish Ivy | Sobriety Plant.
How does the lotus flower represent human life? ›
The lotus flower symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, purity, self-regeneration, and rebirth. Its emergence from murky waters into beauty and glory has been seen as a metaphor for human life, in which difficult times can be overcome with resilience and dedication.
For Christianity, the white blossoms of the lotus represent purity and creation, specifically God's creation of the universe. Similar to how the lotus rises from the murky depths of mud, this religion states that God brought creation, light and beauty out of the dark and empty space.
What is lotus flower in yoga and spirituality? ›
Besides being the name of a popular yoga pose, the lotus flower is considered a symbol of (re)birth, self-realization and spiritual enlightenment. Born in dark, muddy waters, it is known to transform into a flower that shows its beautiful petals above the surface.
Does lotus mean new beginnings? ›
The Lotus flower is immensely spiritual and can represent rebirth and resurrection. It carries a lot of meaning in Hindu and Buddhist cultures while many ancient civilisations associated the planet with new beginnings as well as beauty. It can subsequently be used to celebrate a range of new chapters and journeys.
What flower is a symbol for recovery? ›
Learn lessons about recovery from the lotus flower and meditate on its life cycle, as well as its powerful symbolism. Recovery is a process, but much like the growth of the lotus, it requires determination and time.
What flower means recovery? ›
Petunias are colorful flowers that have been associated with hope, healing, and well-being for a long time. Petunias represent empathy, affection, optimism, and new beginnings. These vibrant flowers are available in many shades like purple, pink, white, and blue.
What is a symbol of recovery? ›
Inscribed Triangle
This recovery symbol is a triangle with a circle inscribed within it. The three sides of the triangle represent strength, willpower, and hope. The circle in the center represents the necessary community support during recovery.
