Japan, Kyushu

The Buddhist Sacred Lotus Flower

Posted by bestregardsfromfar on

Article updated on January 19, 2024
Text & photos: Marcella van Alphen

Lotuses literally rise from the filthy mud to become beautiful flowers. For Buddhists, this is a sacred symbol reminding them to reach for the highest

and remain pure in their mind, speech, and body. This is so important that the lotus flower is the national flower of India, also representing beauty, serenity, rebirth, and the path to enlightenment.

On the Kyushu Island in Japan, their blooming is celebrated in the Usuki Lotus Garden, next to the Usuki Stone Buddhas each year. Women stroll amongst the blooming lotus flowers beautifully dressed in traditional kimonos.

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Japanese women in beautiful kimonos parading amongst pink lotus flowers in Usuki, Japan.

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One Comment Add yours

  1. Amanda @ Adventures All Around's avatar Amanda @ Adventures All Around says:
    September 11, 2015 at 12:17 am

    What beautiful shots! I love the one of the flower about to open. I still haven’t made it to Japan but would so love to one day.

    Reply

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