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paper_turtle
- cross & lotus/symbolism
In response to
the cross and the lotus posted by
Brother_Jones:
Brother Jones,
Perhaps you missed it, but in the first message in this thread I made a very gentle and quiet request:
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It would be nice, in discussing these ideas, if we could stick to *just* the ideas **as they are presented** . . . .
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In light of that, and what has been presented in the thread before your message, the quote feels almost brutal--definitely jarring. It would have been more in keeping with what I hoped for had you included the quote talking about what Buddhism and Christianity have in common--and that is quite a bit.
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In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes:
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purity,
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transcendence,
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the unity of the natural world--earth, air, fire, and water in one plant, and
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the blossoming forth of good deeds done out of liberation from suffering, and in the hope of liberating others from suffering.
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The stem symbolizes the practice of Buddhism's Eight-Fold Way (which is briefly explained in the article I've been quoting)
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The stem raises out of the water in the same way Buddhism raises the mind above the mud of suffering (or materialism).
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The stem passes through the water of experience.
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The lotus blossom rises above the water, rather than resting on it--Buddhism is not attached to the water of life, but rises above it.
The human heart is like an unopened lotus. When the virtues of Buddhism develop, the lotus blossoms.
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The white lotus is the symbol of spiritual perfection
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The red lotus is the symbol for purity of heart, compassion, love.
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The blue lotus is a symbol for wisdom.
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The pink lotus is the symbol for Buddha himself.
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When I think of the symbolism of the lotus in relation to Christianity I am reminded that God's love passes through the water of human life, and raises his children above the "mud" of worldliness.
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I remember that the natural world is entrusted to humankind, and we are called to live in unity with it, and be good steewards of its gifts.
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I remember that God's love causes human hearts to blossom.
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This thread is not intended as a place for the debate of doctrinal points. It is not intended as a place to "defend the faith." I am hoping people will respond with *personal* thoughts--their *own* words, thoughts, feelings, not what they think they "ought" to say. That would be quite a break from Suite tradition, wouldn't it? 
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peace and love,
Paper Turtle
