Flowers bring a touch of eternity, joy and beauty which lie beyond the sorrows and cares of the human world. According to The Mother, apart from the colour, fragrance, beauty of form and texture of a flower, there is something more - an aspiration, an emanation, an aspect, a psychic giving, wordless prayers of Nature and a progress in the evolution of the Earth. All these attributes together form the spiritual significance of a flower. A conscious and intimate relationship with flowers can give an experience of communion with the Divine and awakens the true consiousness in us. At the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, The Mother, over time, has given spiritual names to nearly nine hundred flowers revealing their deepest aspiration.
This website is dedicated to present all the significance of flowers in the light of her vision and experience.
The Spiritual Significance of Flowers:
Identifying spiritual significance of a flower is not something which can be done by the mind. Here, She has described the process:
Mother, when flowers are brought to you, how do you give them a significance?
By entering into contact with the nature of the flower, its inner truth. Then one knows what it represents.
Each flower has its special significance, hasn't it?
Not as we understand it mentally. There is a mental projection when one gives a precise meaning to a flower. It may answer, vibrate to the touch of this projection, accept the meaning, but a flower has no equivalent of the mental consciousness. In the vegetable kingdom there is a beginning of the psychic, but there is no beginning of the mental consciousness. In animals it is different; mental life begins to form and for them things have a meaning. But in flowers it is rather like the movement of a little baby - it is neither a sensation nor a feeling, but something of both; it is a spontaneous movement, a very special vibration. So, if one is in contact with it, if one feels it, one gets an impression which may be translated by a thought. That is how I have given a meaning to flowers and plants - there is a kind of identification with the vibration, a perception of the quality it represents and, little by little, through a kind of approximation (sometimes this comes suddenly, occasionally it takes time), there is a coming together of these vibrations(which are of a vital-emotional order) and the vibration of the mental thought, and if there is a sufficient harmony, one has a direct perception of what the plant may signify……
(Read more Q & A related to flowers by the Mother here)
Even though all the significances were given by The Mother, Sri Aurobindo's touch is undoubtedly felt since the spiritual significances of the flowers correspond to His incisive psychological analysis of the different planes of consciousness and parts of our being.
Growing in contact with flowers is also a part of Integral Yoga since the Mother used flowers as a help in sadhana, teaching us how to master and transform our lower nature and realise the highest possibilities that await us. Love of flowers can help us to find our own psychic being, the Divine within us.
In that spirit let’s try to realise the deepest aspiration of flowers by loving them and growing in contact with them, and we can once more say to ourselves in a more perfect and luminous sense: “Blossom like a flower.”
FAQs
According to The Mother, apart from the colour, fragrance, beauty of form and texture of a flower, there is something more - an aspiration, an emanation, an aspect, a psychic giving, wordless prayers of Nature and a progress in the evolution of the Earth.
What is the spiritual significance of flowers? ›
They serve as powerful symbols of love, faith, hope, purity, and growth, among other significant themes.
What is the significance of the flowers of Sri Aurobindo? ›
The red lotus is the symbol of Sri Aurobindo's presence in that consciousness. The white lotus means the Mother's fully awakened Consciousness on your mental plane. The red-gold is the radiance of the Supramental in the physical. A white lotus signifies that the Mother's consciousness is manifesting there.
What is the spiritual meaning of Rangoon creeper? ›
Representing the fire element, the plant rangoon creeper is symbolic of intense emotions. It's linked with the vivacious sensation of passion and love, igniting feelings of romance and heartfelt connection. 'Kan' enhances this energy, encouraging deeper emotional expressions.
What is the spiritual meaning of the mum flower? ›
Lovingly referred to as the queen of the fall flowers, the “mum” is symbolic for so many reasons. Mums symbolize joy, life, friendship, luck, and rebirth.
What is the symbol of the mother flower? ›
Carnations are the official Mother's Day flower, representing motherhood and the celebration of mothers worldwide! They also symbolise love and gratitude. The connection between carnations and Mother's Day began with Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day, who honoured her mother with some white carnations.
What is the most powerful spiritual flower? ›
The most enchanting flower is the pure white lotus, known as the 'womb of the world. ' It's believed to denote purity of the mind, serenity of human nature and spiritual perfection. The lotus also symbolized the sun and rebirth, as it would disappear into the night only to re-emerge each morning.
What is the prophetic meaning of flower? ›
What does the flower symbolize in the Bible? Flowers symbolize beauty, fragility, and love of God, yet, they also represent the fall of humankind.
What was God's favorite flower? ›
sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera, also known as Indian lotus, sacred lotus, or simply lotus, is one of two extant species of aquatic plant in the family Nelumbonaceae. It is sometimes colloquially called a water lily, though this more often refers to members of the family Nymphaeaceae.
What is the symbol of mother and Aurobindo? ›
The twelve petals represent the twelve powers of the Mother manifested for her work: Sincerity, Humility, Gratitude, Perseverance, Aspiration, Receptivity, Progress, Courage, Goodness, Generosity, Equality, Peace. Sri Aurobindo's Symbol: The descending triangle represents Sat-Chit-Ananda.
Wisdom, Strength, Harmony, Perfection are their several attributes and it is these powers that they bring with them into the world, manifest in a human disguise in their Vibhutis and shall found in the divine degree of their ascension in those who can open their earthly nature to the direct and living influence of the ...
What are the flowers of enlightenment? ›
Pink lotus flowers are known as Buddha's earthly symbol, where a bud symbolizes one's spiritual journey and a fully-bloomed pink lotus represents enlightenment.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Chinese money plant? ›
The Chinese money plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides, is a symbol of prosperity and abundance that has gained popularity in homes around the world. Its origin can be traced back to China, where it is believed to attract good fortune and wealth to those who possess it.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Virginia creeper? ›
Just as the Virginia Creeper clings and climbs, overcoming obstacles and covering ground, it serves as a metaphor for human tenacity. Its vigorous nature and ability to thrive in diverse conditions mirror our own potential for growth and adaptation.
What is the trumpet vine used for spiritually? ›
The Trumpet Vine flower dissolves blockages and self-limiting patterns regarding speech and communication. It cuts through fears of speaking up while magnifying our ability to speak freely about what's inside us, even if it's a difficult conversation. Trumpet Vine also helps us develop and refine our singing voice.
What is the purpose of the flowers in the flowers by Alice Walker? ›
What is the message of "The Flowers" by Alice Walker? The message of "The Flowers" is that of a child discovering hate and brutality for the first time. Myop believes her world to be kind, easy, and loving.
What is the meaning of the motherhood flower? ›
The Timeless Symbolism of Motherly Love in Flowers
Carnation: Carnations, especially pink ones, are often linked with maternal love and admiration. They symbolize purity, gratitude, and the enduring bond between mother and child. Rose: Roses, mainly white and pink, represent maternal care, grace, and tenderness.
What is the message of the poem the flowers? ›
"The Flowers" was written by Victorian author William Brighty Rands and originally published as part of a collection of poetry for children. A sweet, parable-like poem, "The Flowers" celebrates love as a force for good in the world while condemning the destructive nature of selfishness and greed.
What is the symbolism behind flowers? ›
What Do Flowers Symbolize? With their colorful and beautiful blooms, flower meanings are often synonymous with joy and pleasure. However, different types and colors of flowers bring unique meanings. Some flowers are seen as symbols of friendship and purity, while others are tied to forgiveness and death.