the lotus
represents creation
and cosmic renewal
and "primordial purity"
in Buddhist philosophy.
it is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind.
while rooted in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks
as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire.
it is also symbolic of detachment
as drops of water easily slide off its petals.
Jogyesa Temple (조계사)
Seoul, South Korea
photo: (c) Bruce Behnke
2017