Mystery of the Lotus: Purity Among the Slush

Of all these wonders of Nature in our gardens and forests, most alluring is the charm of the flowers. Ancient cultures have assigned mystic powers to each of these flowers and myths, poems and works of art abound. All messages of Love and Romance 'say it with flowers'! As is well known, flowers are the seed-producing parts of a plant, and their function is reproduction. Every bud blossoms into a flower, to act as Nature's instrument of attracting the mate. No wonder, there is to this day a worldwide fascination with flowers, inspiring both the poet and the novice to go into raptures.

For me, of particular interest is our National Flower, the Lotus. From ancient times, Hindus have symbolized the lotus as the symbol of purity. The growth of its pure beauty, unsullied by the mud and slush of its origin, holds a benign spiritual promise. The lotus flower is quoted extensively in our ancient literature. For example, in Bhagvad Gita 5.10 (The Song Celestial) Lord Krishna says::

"One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water"

This worshipful adoration of the lotus is present not only in Hinduism, but also in Buddhism, Jainism and all Asian cultures. This small article and the accompanying photograph, is a morning walker's tribute: from one who always stops by near the lotus pond and stares and wonders, at this eternal symbol of Purity, untouched by all the slush around it. Our proud National Symbol!