Flowers, to a few people, are only gifts to family and friends during special occasions. Flowers are merely adornments, symbols of affection, or perhaps a way of saying thank you. In Thailand, however, flowers, specially the Lotus flower, play a vital role in Thai life, besides using them in cooking and as decorations. Lotus flower is found as adornments in temples all throughout Thailand and China. The lotus flower, an herb that grows from three and four and a half feet high and typically found in ponds, small canals, swamps, and roadside ditches, has turned into a symbol of Buddhism. In fact, lotus flowers & Buddhism Thailand are so closely associated that according to Buddhist principles, the heart of an individual who has not yet attained enlightenment is identical to a lotus which has not yet blossomed. Thus, a lotus in bloom represents full enlightenment of man.
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The lotus is one of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. Its place in the religion is signified by its representation in Buddhist holy books, “The Sutra on White Lotus of the Sublime Dharma.” It is almost frequently manifested in the most touching ways within the teachings of Buddhism. Accordingly, lotus thrives in the mud however yields a beautiful flower lying above the water, stretching in the sunlight. It is true that other water plants bloom over the water but only the lotus can go above the surface-tall and strong. Aside from the holy books of Buddhist, the lotus also shows up in all forms of Buddhist art and across all its cultures. One often sees lotus flowers in Thailand in Buddhist textiles, ceramics, and architecture. Furthermore, Buddhist deities are always associated in some manner with this particular flower-whether holding one in their hands or just being seated upon it in full bloom.
One should also know that the colors of the flower also provide various meanings in Buddhism. The realization of spiritual perfection and full mental goodness is the manifestation of white lotus. Pink lotus, also called the supreme lotus, is linked to the Great Buddha for it is always reserved for the highest god or goddess. Red lotus indicates compassion. It shows the qualities associated with heart-love, compassion, and passion. It is also a sign of the original nature and purity of the heart. Finally, the blue lotus, a symbolism of wisdom, signifies the triumph of the spirit over the senses. The lotus flowers, whether or not they are red, pink, white, or blue, are undoubtedly an essential part of Buddhism and Thai life and culture. A blooming lotus, a symbol of complete enlightenment, serves as the guide of every Buddhist and a reminder to them that rising above the materialistic nature of man in direction of enlightenment should be is objective throughout his lifetime.
