Lessons from the Lotus (2024)

Lessons from the Lotus (1)

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Rakhi Beekrum Lessons from the Lotus (2)

Rakhi Beekrum

Psychologist - Durban North

Published Jan 2, 2016

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Being a huge proponent of narrative therapy, I enjoy the use of metaphor in therapy...especially metaphors from nature. My favourite is the beautiful lotus flower, commonly associated with spirituality and purity.
Have you ever noticed that this beautiful flower flourishes in murky water? Isn't it the same with life? Think of yourself as the beautiful lotus, with the murky water representing all that is negative in life. Difficulties and challenges are part of the journey of life and are meant to help us grow. By emerging from life's challenges, our inner beauty radiates just like the lotus.

Sometimes difficulties in life lead to us becoming bitter and resentful. But look at the lotus - it still maintains its beauty and purity amidst the muddy water. How? Just as the lotus closes its petals when faced with darkness, we too can close ourselves off to the negative forces in our lives. Do this by introspective - by focusing the mind inward. During difficulties, instead of focusing on what is going wrong, rather divert your focus to your goals, to what is most important to you. Turn your focus away from the problem to possible solutions. This minimizes the impact of the problem and will help you feel more hopeful.

It is only within your mind that you can find peace. I always say that your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy.
So, be the lotus! You cannot escape the muddy water, but you can decide whether it will tarnish you or help you grow.

Bloom where you are planted!

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Rakhi Beekrum

Psychologist - Durban North

8y

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That's amazing, Nalika Bidasee! May you always live up to your beautiful name & continue to bloom!

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Nalika Bidasee

Academic Design and Future Learning

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Aaah... My name sake! Nalika means 'blooming lotus flower', so I identify with both the literal and metaphoric significance of your use of the word. I appreciate your words of encouragement and enjoy your perspectives. Keep on delving into the intricacies of the human mind, and we will all benefit from your informed opinion 😊

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Lessons from the Lotus (2024)

FAQs

What can we learn from lotus? ›

Take hope as we learn lessons of life, resilience, and survival from the Lotus flower. Did you know that lotus flowers are living fossils? Their seeds have survived every climate extreme, from the Ice Age to scorching sun and heat. They survive in a multitude of soils and regions.

What does the lotus symbolize? ›

Because lotuses rise from the mud without stains, they are often viewed as a symbol of purity. Since they return to the murky water each evening and open their blooms at the break of day, lotus flowers are also symbols of strength, resilience, and rebirth.

What does the 8 petal lotus flower mean? ›

It is a sign of purity and spiritual awakening. The lotus flower is often depicted with eight petals, symbolizing the Buddhist eightfold path. The lotus flower blossoming from mud can be taken to represent the spiritual path to enlightenment.

What is meant by "no mud, no lotus"? ›

The lotus flower is a beacon of hope and perspective. No Mud, No Lotus is a phrase that embodies the fact that even the hardest of times can yield beautiful lessons, results, and meaning. Blooming in spite of the mud is where resilience comes from.

What are the 5 benefits of lotus? ›

2. Health benefits of lotus
  • 2.1. Prevent diarrhea. ...
  • 2.2. Helps reduce blood sugar and high cholesterol levels in the blood. ...
  • 2.3. Effectively reduce inflammation. ...
  • 2.4. Helps to add nutrients to the body. ...
  • 2.5. Beat "fly" acne. ...
  • 2.6. Helps regulate menstrual cycle. ...
  • 2.7. Soothes a cough. ...
  • 2.8. Prevent the growth of cancer.

What are 5 facts about lotus? ›

Lotus is frequently pictured as the throne of Gods and is frequently used in worship and religious rituals. It has air gaps in its long stems, and rhizomes perform the roles of roots. Lotus has a metaphorical meaning that includes divinity, fertility, riches, knowledge, and enlightenment.

What does the Bible say about the lotus flower? ›

The lotus plant is mentioned. RSVCE bible Trans:Job 40: 21 Under the lotus plants he lies,in the covert of the reeds and in the marsh. 22 For his shade the lotus trees cover him; the willows of the brook surround him. NLV bible Trans: He lies down under the lotus plants, hidden in the high river grass.

What is the prophetic meaning of the lotus flower? ›

The lotus flower symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, purity, self-regeneration, and rebirth. Its emergence from murky waters into beauty and glory has been seen as a metaphor for human life, in which difficult times can be overcome with resilience and dedication.

What is the spiritual symbol lotus? ›

In Buddhism the lotus symbol is so significant that it's one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, it appears as both solar and lunar and is associated with many Gods and Goddesses. The lotus symbolizes the human Spiritual potential of transformation to the True (Divine) Self.

What do the 3 dots above a lotus flower mean? ›

These dots are the symbol of enlightenment finally being attained. There are three dots, symbolizing the sacred syllable om. Through our confusion and fears, we choose to meet our challenges head-on to seek deeper wisdom, which hopefully leads us to reach our goals and walk our true path in this lifetime.

What is the spiritual use of the lotus flower? ›

In Buddhism, the lotus is associated with purity, spiritual awakening, and faithfulness. The flower is considered pure as it is able to emerge from murky waters in the morning and be perfectly clean. It is also known to symbolize purity of speech, of the body, and of the mind.

Which chakra is lotus flower? ›

The seventh chakra, Sahaswara, is referred to as the thousand-petal lotus chakra. This is the top chakra of the seven and located at the crown of the head. Sahaswara is our source of enlightenment and spiritual connection to all that is.

What does lotus symbolize? ›

In Hinduism, the lotus represents spiritual enlightenment, beauty, fertility, purity, prosperity and eternity. It is said that there's a lotus flower in every Hindu's heart, and that when this lotus blooms, the person achieves enlightenment. The lotus is also an important symbol in the Hindu tantric tradition.

What does lotus in water mean? ›

The lotus flower symbolizes purity, overcoming adversity, and rebirth. The exact symbolism of this aquatic flower varies between cultures and religions, but all of the lotus flower's meanings are positive in nature.

Why does the lotus bloom in the mud? ›

"The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud --- the obstacles of life and its suffering. ... The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life. ...

What is the purpose of the lotus flower? ›

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that grows in parts of Asia. The flower, seed, leaf, and underground stem are used as medicine. Lotus contains chemicals that seem to breakdown fat tissue. These effects might help with weight loss.

What are the lessons from White lotus? ›

Reflective Learning: Identity and Authenticity

The characters of 'The White Lotus' each grapple with their own identities, often struggling with questions of authenticity and self-worth. Through their experiences, the show reveals the importance of introspection and self-understanding.

What is the Speciality about lotus? ›

Lotus flowers are popular ornamental plants in Asia. They symbolize longevity, purity, and beauty in Buddhism and Hinduism, giving background to the nickname sacred lotus ( 2 ). Additionally, its stems, seeds, leaves, and flowers have long been used in traditional medicine preparations.

What are some important lines about lotus? ›

The lotus flower is regarded as the National Flower of India. Lotus symbolises beauty, purity and knowledge. It is an aquatic flower with round leaves floating on the water. It grows in freshwater lakes and shallow ponds.

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