Lotus is a plant that grows in water. It is divided into two types: lotus and water lily. Among them, white lotus is the best. In Buddhism, the lotus often serves as a symbol of Dharma. As a Buddhist object, the lotus symbolizes the ten kinds of good practices practiced by Bodhisattvas, which are:
Stay away from the path of defilement;
Do not live with evil;
full of incense;
The body is pure and uncontaminated;
The face is peaceful and cheerful;
All living beings who see the lotus will have good luck;
Wisdom and merit are solemn and endowed;
Soft and not jerky;
Abide in pure Bodhi;
I have already thought about it since I was born.
Among the deities holding lotuses, the Guanyin Department is the most representative, hence it is also referred to as the Lotus Department. Lotus flowers held by all the deities have different shapes and metaphorical meanings. If the lotus has n’t bloomed yet, it symbolizes the bodhicitta of all living beings. If the lotus blooms, it symbolizes the bodhicitta of all living beings. If one practices good deeds, they will surely attain Buddhahood. If the lotus blooms, it symbolizes the attainment of Buddhahood.
Common deities holding lotuses include the Holy Avalokitesvara, the Wish-fulfilling Wheel Avalokitesvara, the Seven Buddha Mothers, the Holy Buddha’s Head, the Great Auspicious Ming Bodhisattva, the Wealth Bodhisattva, the White Chuzun Bodhisattva, the Tathagata Smiling Bodhisattva, the Duoluo Bodhisattva, and the Light Net. Bodhisattva, Wonderful Sound Bodhisattva, Guangyin Tian, Ritian, Hayagriva, etc.
