The Flower of Inner Peace

There is one particular flower that is a powerful spiritual symbol in many traditions, appearing in countless mandalas and sacred works of art.

The guru who brought Buddhism to Tibet was known as Padmasambhava, which means “born from” this flower, and one of the most popular Buddhist mantras–which brings peace not only to the speaker but to anyone nearby–mentions it. What is the flower? What does it have to teach us? Find out, and learn the peace-bringing mantra, here:

The lotus flower has its roots in the mud but it rises up from the muck beautiful and clean. This has been seen as a symbol of how all of us can rise, radiantly and beautifully, from even the murkiest of conditions.

The lotus is a creation symbol: the world is born out of the mud. And it is a wisdom-symbol, since it expresses a truth about the possibilities for all living things.

The most famous Buddhist mantra, “Om mane Padme hum,” loosely translated, means “Om, jewel in the lotus, amen.” When one recites this simple mantra, it brings peace not only to the speaker, but to anyone nearby.

Read more: Spirit, Inspiration

Inspired by Teen Psychic, by Julie Tallard Johnson (Inner Traditions, 2003).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kristina C.

1:17PM PST on Feb 16, 2012

Thank you - we are never too old to learn. I agree that the Lotus flower is somewhat noble. But I am more simple, my fovorites are Poppies!

Please sign this petition close to my heart:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/give-a-pitbull-a-chance/
ALMOST REACHED THE GOAL # ! Thank you everyone!

send a green star

Melinda offline K.

12:18AM PST on Jan 30, 2012

it really is a beautiful symbol!

jayasri a.

4:04PM PST on Jan 28, 2012

Thanks for the article

Carole R.

8:31PM PDT on Sep 10, 2011

Nice.

Prochi T.

2:58AM PDT on Jun 6, 2011

Thank you Annie. It is indeed surprising to see a beautiful flower Lotus (kamal, in indian lingo) grow in the most muckiest places.

KS G.

12:23AM PST on Jan 29, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Melissah C.

6:21PM PST on Nov 14, 2010

thanks

6:47AM PDT on Jun 8, 2010

Great article. Thank you Annie!!

Tanik T.

7:20AM PST on Feb 13, 2010

All of us can rise radiantly & beautifully from even the murkiest condition.. I love it.. Thank you..

Jane H.

11:46AM PST on Jan 2, 2010

I love this idea of the lotus rising out of the muck---what a great symbol, for we all have so much of the cultur we are born into to cast away. Thank you.