Lotus
Overview
The most important plant in the Buddhist tradition as adopted in China, and the one whose reading depends on the whole sequence rather than on the flower alone.
Meaning
The lotus is the emblem of rising unstained — the plant that grows from mud and opens clean above the water.
Traditional Interpretation
The classical account is explicit that the mud is required: the flower's cleanliness is only meaningful because of where it came from.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does lotus symbolize in Chinese tradition?
The lotus is the emblem of rising unstained — the plant that grows from mud and opens clean above the water. The most important plant in the Buddhist tradition as adopted in China, and the one whose reading depends on the whole sequence rather than on the flower alone.
What does the lotus stand for?
It is one of the standard plants with an agreed reading. The lotus is the emblem of rising unstained — the plant that grows from mud and opens clean above the water. The lotus is the clearest case in the tradition of a symbol defined by its origin rather than by its appearance.
How is lotus read in Chinese tradition?
The classical account is explicit that the mud is required: the flower's cleanliness is only meaningful because of where it came from. It is grouped under Water (水) in the five-element system.
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