The lotus is a symbol for the heart that holds the Divine core. The leaves of the lotus flower represent each quality we can awaken within ourselves so that Divine nature can show itself in full glory, compassion and  love.

When the flower of the lotus opened up, the Hindu creator God Brahma (symbol for universal consciousness) was sitting in the middle, where the seeds were located.  Brahma  used parts of the lotus for his creation process. Thus each human being is regarded as a carrier of the lotus in spirit. It is therefore not surprising that each of the chakras (energy centers in the human body) is symbolically represented as a lotus flower with its own colour and a specific number of leaves. The upper chakra (located on the crown) symbolizes the highest level of consciousness and is depicted with a thousand leaves.

The lotus grows in ponds with unclear, often murky water. However, if you look into the flower itself, you will find no mud and impurity at all. It is beautiful, aromatic, noble, powerful, full of passion and confidence in its growth and blooming. Although the lotus grows in muddy water, it transcends these conditions and arises from the depths in purity and universal connection.

In the values of our current society, we are taught that our individual development should be aimed towards superficial worldly achievements.  Most of society fails to encourage spiritual growth and the development with the connection to the Divine Source. The symbol of the lotus can teach us that regardless of the murky worldly conditions in which we may be surrounded, we can still rise above this to gain freedom and enlightenment.

You will overcome any difficult situation by knowledge and insight when you realize that all circumstances in life are aspects of the whole Divine cycle of life and transformation. Like the lotus rising through the mud, blossoming with cycles of both increase and decay, so do the seasons of growth, transformation, joy, and pain pass through our lives. When you experience suffering and difficulty, realize then that you are growing like the lotus, a beautiful and radiant flower through all conditions. Know also that in any situation, one thing always remains untouched, the core of your center as Divine. Just as the lotus will always have its own seed, the spark of the Divine within you is Infinite and Unchanging. This is the essence, the truth.

Even if you live with your feet in the mud, misery and in agony, never forget the essence of who you truly are inside, a beautiful flower, the Lotus Joy!