The Lotus Flower
The Lotus is a symbol of eternity, purity, and peace. The Lotus flower is regarded as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower.
In Buddhism the flower represents enlightenment. The stages of growth that the flower is in reflects on the stages of enlightenment that a Buddhist must achieve; when the flowers are closed it represents the time before a Buddhist finds enlightenment, and once the flowers bloom and the plant blossoms it represents reaching enlightenment.
WOOD SPECIES AND ORIGIN:
Tanganika, East, and West Africa