http://www.bigcatrescue.org/icare2.htm


                   
   
The lotus rises through the murky waters of ponds and lakes yet, when it blooms, it floats upon the surface, its petals shining and untainted by the mud from which it emerged. In the scriptural language and sacred poetry of Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus perfectly embodies the soul, rising up through the murkiness of worldly experience until it reaches the surface of the spiritual realm and blooms, vibrant and pure, free from all taint and attachment.

The lotus is so fundamental to the spiritual language of Yoga that it has become a technical term. The word "lotus" is used interchangeably with the word chakra referring to the spinning wheels of spiritual energy located along the spinal axis. While the lotus can refer to any of the chakras, it is most especially associated with the radiant white-gold crown chakra.

More than metaphor, referring to the crown chakra as a white lotus is a good description. It is a variation of the experience that I have called the Golden Ocean. The experience is of a shining golden-whiteness, radiating outward from a living central point. It seems to flow outward, like water, or like a thousand white petals surging with life and renewing themselves while, at the same time, remaining utterly self-contained and at rest.

"My heart searched for your fragrance
     in the breeze moving at dawn,
     my eyes searched for the flower of your face
     in the garden of creation.
Neither could lead me to your abode --
     contemplation alone showed me the way."
(Sarmad)