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Significance of Water-Lotus

Water-Lotus has significant meanings in both Tibetan Buddhism and Vedanta. In Tibetan Buddhism, it denotes the Tibetan name of the princess from the T'ang dynasty who was pivotal in the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. Meanwhile, in Vedanta, Water-Lotus is a metaphor for the divine Atma, emphasizing its playful and refreshing qualities. The term embodies both historical and spiritual dimensions across these philosophical traditions.1
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Synonyms: Aquatic plant, Water lily, Lotus flower, Sacred lotus, Indian lotus

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Water-Lotus'

Buddhism Books

Water-Lotus in Buddhism symbolizes the Tibetan princess from the T'ang dynasty, highlighting her vital influence in the growth and establishment of Buddhism in Tibet, representing purity emerging from murky waters.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) The Tibetan name for the princess of the T'ang dynasty who played an essential role in Buddhism's development in Tibet.[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Water-Lotus'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Water-Lotus symbolizes the divine Atma's playful and refreshing essence, representing purity and spiritual growth amidst the material world, much like a lotus thriving in water's varied depths.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) A metaphor suggesting the playful and refreshing nature of the divine Atma.[2]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).