Significance of White lotus
Synonyms: Nymphaea alba, Water lily, Sacred lotus, Lily, White water lily
In Dutch: Witte lotus; In Finnish: Valkoinen lootus; In Spanish: Loto blanco; In German: Weißer Lotus; In Swedish: Vit lotusblomma; In Malay: Teratai putih; In French: Lotus blanc
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'White lotus'
In Buddhism, the White lotus symbolizes purity and enlightenment, linked to the syllable HRIH and Avalokiteshvara, while representing the teachings on karma, demonstrating how life experiences are shaped by one's actions.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A specific text or teaching that illustrates the concept of karma as a painter, creating various experiences in life.[1]
Hindu concept of 'White lotus'
In Hinduism, the White Lotus symbolizes purity and enlightenment across various contexts, representing divine beings, spiritual awakening, and ritual worship, while embodying auspiciousness and the inner divine nature, particularly associated with the goddess Hakini.
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The seat of the presiding Shakti Hakini, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment.[2] (2) Symbolizing purity and enlightenment, Hakini is described as seated on a white Lotus.[3]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) The wonderful Lotus consisting of twelve letters that is significant in spiritual worship, situated within the womb of, and inseparable from, the pericarp.[4]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A metaphor used to describe Rama's face, indicating purity and beauty, which is now fading.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A specific type of lotus flower often associated with purity and spiritual enlightenment.[6]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A specific type of lotus depicted in rituals, symbolizing spiritual purity and enlightenment.[7]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The white lotus symbolizes all auspiciousness that blossoms in the presence of the holy name, reflecting purity and spiritual enlightenment.[8]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A symbol of beauty and purity that flourished during the month of Kartik.[9]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A permanent feature noted as a significant symbol associated with Devadatta's house, alongside the dais.[10]
Jain concept of 'White lotus'
In Jainism, the White Lotus symbolizes purity and excellence, reflecting Aparajita's son, and embodies the aspirational ideal of achieving one's highest potential, akin to the best of Nymphaeas.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The color and shape of Aparajita's son, likened to a white lotus, representing purity and excellence among men.[11]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Symbolizing the best of Nymphaeas, it represents a goal or ideal that individuals aim to achieve.[12]
The concept of White lotus in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "White lotus" symbolizes purity and beauty, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life through its petals, reflecting themes of transience and renewal often explored in literature and cultural discussions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A flower often associated with purity and beauty, whose petals symbolize the transient nature of life.[13]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The state the sender's head will become, symbolizing a transformation and the passage of time, as it is described in relation to the receiver.[14]