Buddha Amida (part 2) and the Meaning of the Lotus

The lotus plant has a very special meaning in Buddhism and ecpecially the lotus flower is one of the 8 sacred objects. It symbolizes purity: while growing in mud, its blooms and leaves never become dirty.

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The roots of the lotus grow in the mud, the stern is sprouting through the water and the bloom with the heavy fragrance is bathing in sunlight. In Buddhism this all symbolizes the development of the soul from the material plain through the waters of experience to the full light of the enlightenment.

This is a wonderful metaphor in my eyes.

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The lotus has been displayed in various states: as buds, as half open blooms and as fully blooming flowers. In between you will find the stylized leaves and sterns of the lotus plant.

Additionally the panels themselves have been executed in such way that they are resting or standing on stylized lotus petals literally as a support. Especially the middle figure is standing on a fully opened lotus bloom.

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The upper parts of the panels are stylized flames. In Buddhist art this kind of design is often chosen for symbolising the catharsis, the renunciation from involuntary thinking without restraint, from the ego of the human being and his desires. Only the flames are purifying the spirit and are the premise for enlightenment.

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(will be continued…)

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