The Lotus Flower - A symbol of beauty and transformation
The lotus (hasu in Japanese) flower springs forth out of muddy pond waters to show large pink or white flowers that survive for only four days through the intense heat of July and August. The intoxicating flowers pop open at dawn and are ready for a nap by mid-afternoon.
With its short-lived blossom springing from durable roots, the lotus suggests reincarnation: the wheel-like leaves and the spike-shaped petals imply the perpetual cycle of existence, while the pure flowers arising from mud symbolize the enlightenment any person is capable of achieving. Lotus seeds are often used as Buddhist rosary beads; some of the seeds having been made to germinate as much as 2,000 years later.
The association of the lotus plant with Buddhism originated in India where the popular Lotus Sutra (Hokke-kyo) was employed to try to unify the contending Greater and Lesser Vehicles of Indian Buddhism by emphasizing that simple devotion will lead any person to salvation.
In Japan, Jodo, Shingon, Tendai, and Nichiren Buddhism were among the sects to adopt this sutra. Many Buddhist images, especially of Amida Buddha (Lord of the Western Paradise), rest on a fully-opened lotus. Examples can be seen at Uji’s Byodo-in Temple or Nara’s Todai-ji Temple.
The Bodhisattva Kannon (The God of Compassion) is often depicted standing on a lotus flower and holding them in his hand. Visit Sanjusangen-do Temple to see an example of this. In Buddhism, entry to Paradise allowed one to repose upon a lotus throne, so star-crossed lovers always dreamed of being reunited on the same lotus after death.
Even after blooming, the lotus is beautiful – the seed pod has a distinctive, honeycomb shape while the large leaves retain their deep green. The roots (renkon) are edible and turn up in many traditional Japanese dishes, obento lunch boxes, and as tempura.
Recommended temples for splendid lotus flowers in Kyoto
Tenryu-ji Temple: Kyoto City Bus #28, 93, Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae Stop; ¥500; 8:30-17:00; www.tenryuji.com
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple: A 10-min. walk from Kyoto Sta.; 5:50-17:30; www.higashihonganji.or.jp
Kodo Gyogan-ji Temple: On the east side of Teramachi, south of Marutamachi; 8:00-16:30; kaudau.jp
Kyoto Botanical Garden: Subway Kitayama Sta.; ¥200; 9:00-17:00; www.pref.kyoto.jp/plant/