Few Flowers in Nature Are As Mystifying As the Lotus

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img source: Source: Flickr.com  Jennifer The lotus flower is one of the most remarkable creations of nature. Its beauty lies in its purity, because this magnificent flower emerges from the dirty and muddy bottom of a pond, yet still remains untouched and unstained by its soiled surroundings. This notable feat has ensured that the lotus is considered an embodiment of perfection amongst Asian religions and cultures - Buddhism and Hinduism in particular. This unique quality is said to symbolize the human who rises from the darkness of the world into a new way of thinking and living.

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The remarkable traits of the lotus flower have long been recognized in human history, and played a significant role in ancient religions.

The Lotus Depicted in Ancient Religions

In the Buddhist tradition, the flower that rises above the muddy waters represents the act of ascending above all desires and attachments. According to Buddhism this is the key to achieving spiritual enlightenment. Despite the flower having its roots in the mud, it grows upward, in the direction of light. This is believed to represent the aspiration to rise above and move towards light. The lotus therefore symbolizes the journey from darkness (as depicted by the muddy pond) to the light of knowledge or wisdom.

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In the Hindu tradition, the place in which the lotus flower blossoms (its dark and dirty waters) represents a wise and spiritually enlightened person, who performs their duty without any material or emotional desires. The ability to detach oneself from such desires enables one to remain unaffected by all worldly pleasures and gain, thus achieving spiritual perfection. At its center, the lotus bud is compared to a folded heart or soul, which has the ability to blossom or awaken to divine truth.

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img source: Flickr.com,  Fiona Henderson In Egyptian culture, the lotus, referred to as Seshen, represents the sun and rebirth, as it blossoms with sunrise and closes as the sun goes down. It is also associated with death. The Egyptian Book of the Dead states that a person who has died can be transformed into a lotus with the help of magic spells and charms, symbolizing resurrection and rebirth.

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img source:  Flickr.com,  Peter Massas "Growing from the mud and blooming towards the sky, a lotus symbolizes purity, spiritual awakening, revival and fortune."

The Significance of Lotus Colors

The lotus predominantly comes in five different colors, and each has its own spiritual interpretation.

White Lotus

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img source: Flickr.com,  Takashi.M This enchanting flower is the most revered in the world and is often referred to as the 'womb of the world'. It is said to denote purity of mind, the calmness and serenity of human nature and spiritual perfection.

Pink Lotus

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img source: Flickr.com,  Yoshikazu Takada The delicate pink lotus is associated with the highest deities across cultures and is said to represent the earthly symbol of Buddha. It is also believed to denote the state of a person's mind - a closed bud represents a transition phase towards the path of spirituality, while a full-bloom pink lotus denotes enlightenment. This interpretation explains why quite a number of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as the Buddha, are often depicted seated on a pink lotus.

Red Lotus

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img source:  8screensavers.com The red lotus represents the heart and symbolizes selfless love, passion, compassion and kindness. A fully bloomed red lotus symbolizes big-heartedness and generosity.

Blue Lotus

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img source: Flickr.com,  wyteone This enchanting lotus signifies wisdom and knowledge, and represents victory over the senses. It holds a special and sacred place in Egyptian culture and is rarely found. The blue lotus depicts a person's control over their mind and spirit, enabling them to let go of the materialistic aspirations in life.

Purple Lotus

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This mystical flower is associated with esoteric sects and can be depicted as either an open flower or as a bud. The eight petals of the purple lotus are representatives of the noble eightfold path - one of the principal teachings of the Buddha. Following this path is thought to lead to self awakening.

"Just like the lotus we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into the world."

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A class sits at their typewriters in 1958. (Flickr/e r j k . a m e r j k a)  

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Bridge Connecting Denmark And Sweden

This Amazing Bridge Turns Into An Underwater Tunnel Connecting Denmark And Sweden

  

This unique roadway connects the Danish capital of Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö. The Øresund, designed by the Danish architect George K.S. Rotne, was opened on July 1, 2000. The bridge stretches about 8km before transitioning through an artificial island into a 4km tunnel under the Flint Channel.

The site is interesting both biologically and architecturally: the Lund’s Botanical Association has identified more than 500 different species of plants on the island, which was constructed from material dredged from the seabed. Most of the concrete tunnel was cast on land and towed out to the location.

More info:  oresundbron.com (h/t:  demilked,  twistedsifter)