The orchids endure

Blooming for weeks, welcoming

All who move pollen

Salsify

Rise above the mud

Slowly open your pure self

Reveal your love bloom

Giant Lotus

The stage of growth the lotus flower is in represents a different stage of enlightenment. A closed lotus flower represents the time before a Buddhist follower found Buddha or enlightenment. A lotus flower fully bloomed and open represents full enlightenment and self-awareness.

The mud represents an importance in the meaning of the lotus flower in Buddhism. All humans are born in a world where there is suffering. This suffering is a vital part of the human experience; it makes us stronger and teaches us to resist the temptation of evil. When we banish evil thoughts from our mind we are able to break free of the muddy water and become one with the Buddha. The mud shows us who we are and teaches us to choose the right path over the easy one.      -From "The Meaning of the Lotus"  Buddhists.org

                   

Blue Waterlily with Reflected Sky

“For all that ye may ever keep is just what you give away, and that you give away is advice, counsel, manner of life you live yourself.  The manner in which you treat your fellow man, your patience, your brotherly love, your kindness, your gentleness. That you give away, that is all that ye may possess in those other realms of consciousness.”  - Edgar Cayce