Thank you Lotus, for your kind prayers for me. I really like your name. I find the lotus to be a very symbolic flower for me. It grows from a muddy environment to be one of the most extraordinary and beautiful flowers on this planet.
The lotus represents purity of body, speech and mind, along with expansion of the soul in Eastern religions. The Egyptians derived power and strength from the lotus.
The lotus effect comes from the plants preference to grow in muddy rivers and lakes, the leaves and flowers remain clean. Botanists who have studied lotus leaves have found that they have a natural cleaning mechanism. The microscopic structure and surface chemistry of the leaves prevent them from being wetted by liquids having a contact angle of greater than 90° to an unstructured surface of the same material. With contact angles to water of up to 170°, droplets roll off a leaf's surface like mercury, taking mud, tiny insects, and contaminants with them. Very adaptive.
The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment. Though there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is only the lotus which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches above the surface.
Thus says the Lalitavistara, 'the spirit of the best of men is spotless, like the lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it.'
That’s why the symbol of the lotus is one I can relate to. The plant has used it’s abilities to overcome it’s surroundings. Just like we humans have to do with our every day challenges. I guess I need to remember that.
Much love and happiness be yours, Lotus. Thank you and bless you, for your prayers for me and my son, in this time of my need
|
|