In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus (padma) is a symbol of purity, spontaneous generation, and divine birth as well as the flowering of the mind and freedom from the darkness of this world and usually appears only with enlightened beings. It symbolizes the path to enlightenment: it grows from the mud symbolizing samsara) appears on the surface unsoiled symbolizing purification and in the end rises to produce a beautiful flower symbolizing enlightenment. . Lotus petals represent the spokes of the wheel of existence to which all sentient beings are bound until they reach the stage of awakening and enlightenment and can enter Nirvana. The blossom represents purity and the stem symbolizes Buddhist teachings which give rise to purity of mind. The Lalitavistara Sutra states “…the spirit of man can be spotless, like the new lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it.” Guanyin and other Bodhisattvas are often shown holding a lotus and standing or seated on a lotus throne signifying their enlightenment. A lotus throne is called a padmapita. It also has auspicious references, depending different lotus parts, that symbolize fertility, the birth of sons, longevity, high rank, wealth, honor and peace. Lotus buds are often used to pick up lids of pottery and wood vessels. The words for lotus in Chinese have the same meanings as to bind or connect (in marriage), one after the other, uninterrupted, to love, and modesty.
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Rare provincial consecrated carving of Nanhai Guanyin on a lotus, representing purity of the mind, above a fish symbolizing her power to help beings sail through sea of suffering separating mortal world from the Western Paradise.
With a benevolent expression, this rare large Ming Buddha sits on lotus pedestal signifying his purity and enlightenment. Originally placed in a Mahayana Buddhism spiritual setting, this important and brilliantly carved image is calming, inspiring and imparts a feeling of serenity to his surroundings.
This Nanhai Guanyin (Guanyin of the South Sea) sits in her cave on Putuo island in the South China Sea with most of her traditional features. She is portrayed as White Hooded or Clad Guanyin with her hair in a bun covered with a short hood seated in royal ease (lalitsana) with her right hand…
Large provincial Guanyin is natural and modest rather than idealized in relaxed lalitsana pose. Remarkable oversized crown centered with rustic Amitabha on a lotus with pointed aureole. This personalized depiction is a charming, innocent portrayal of a spiritual subject.
This charming oil lamp is decorated with auspicious symbols: Fish symbolize harmony, marital happiness and double fish mean “may there be abundance.” The oil cup is a lotus seed with a lotus leaf, symbols of a harmonious and fruitful marriage and also mean “the continuous birth of sons.”
Vintage Thai cast bronze White Clad Guanyin in meditation on multi-tiered throne holding vial of precious dew with image of Buddha Amitabha under hood. Vision of compassionate serenity, half closed eyes and benevolent smile.
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