The lotus flower begins its journey in deep mud, slowly growing through murky water before breaking through the surface of the pond. There, it finally blossoms — beautiful and whole — under the radiant sun. This unique transformation has made the lotus flower into a cherished symbol across many Eastern religions, by providing a metaphor for the human condition; as human beings, we often triumph over many obstacles before emerging as a resilient whole.

In Buddhism, the lotus flower represents purity, spiritual awakening, and faithfulness. The lotus flower traces a path through muddy waters, yet emerges with clean petals, unsullied by its surroundings. This makes the lotus flower a befitting symbol for both rebirth and purity. In all forms of Buddhism, the lotus is symbolic of the highest spiritual attainment — when Buddha is portrayed in his enlightenment state, he often sits upon an open lotus flower.