SYMBOLISM: NELUMERA

Nelumbo Nucifera, the sacred lotus, has been a spiritual symbol for thousands of years. It is often seen as a symbol of purity due to its physiological feature that prevents dust and debris from clinging unto the lotus petals, even when the plant grows through mud. In Buddhism, the lotus is praised for its ability to grow out of impure water into a flower. In Hinduism, the lotus is known as “Padma”, a lotus that is often seen with the gods “Vishnu” and “Brahma” and incorporated in Hindu yantras and mandalas. Its symbolic meaning is attributed to rebirth or spiritual awakening. 

This blog’s name “NELUMERA” stems from Nelumbo Nucifera, one of the symbols that I hold close to my heart during my journey of life.  Symbols are great tools for healing and inner growth.

“The secret to happiness is to acknowledge and transform suffering, not to run away from it.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist and spiritual leader, shares his knowledge for transforming suffering and finding true joy. In his book, ‘No Mud, No Lotus’, he uses the sacred lotus as a symbol for life. He explains that one must learn to make good use of mud in order to grow beautiful lotus flowers. And, just like lotus flowers, both suffering and happiness are transitory. The biggest challenge here is not allowing oneself to be overthrown by despair. It is easy to fall into these traps that dwell on the negative cycle of suffering. However, the trick is to remember that suffering is the ‘mud’ in life to generate happiness. No mud (without suffering), no lotus (there is no happiness). Thus, once we know how to make good use of suffering, we can produce happiness. After all, like Thich Nhat Hanh stated, there is enough suffering inside and around us. So, there is absolutely no need to create more. 

“Symbols are the language of the unconscious and of the soul”
– Carl Gustav Jung

According to Carl Gustav Jung, a renowned Swiss psychoanalyst and psychiatrist, symbols transport emotions, memories, conflicts, insights, and other psychic content. Working with symbols can be a great tool to facilitate insights into difficult situations in life and contribute to personal growth and development. 

Symbol
/ˈsimbəl/  noun 
Something that is used to represent a quality or idea;
Anything used to representsomething else, such as a sign or mark, a person,or an event;
An object can be described as a symbol of something else if it seems to represent it because it is connected with it in a lot of people’s minds.

Internal Locus of Control: Look inward
Symbols help us make sense of the unknown that we may come across in life; they pave the way for gaining an understanding of the self in moments of triumphs and tribulations. Upon reflection, these will help conceptualize patterns of thinking and behavior that are difficult to describe with words and form into the lessons in life we’ll carry for a better and healthier self. 

External Locus of Control: Look outward
Symbols also allow us to see and understand the deeper meaning of external factors in those triumphs and tribulations. This is to prevent us from being affected by the ripple affect of negative vibes. Or, on the other hand, gives us understanding what brings value into our life. 

Regressive Symbols: Look back
Regressive symbols represent unconscious archaic needs and wants. Regressive symbols help to elucidate the origins of personal meaning. For instance, thoughts and behavior that stem from childhood conflicts that are deeply rooted in our current thinking and behavior as an adult. 

Progressive Symbols: Look forward
Progressive symbols represent future strivings and may reveal new goals and personal choices. Progressive symbols may enhance psychological growth, shape behavior and bring a propelling power to decision making. Ultimately, these will lead to a more optimized and efficient life. 

“Symbolism is the language of the Mysteries … By symbols men have ever sought to communicate to each other those thoughts which transcend the limitations of language.”
– Manly Palmer Hall

Incorporating symbolism for self-expression enables oneself to communicate complex emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Just like nelumbo nucifera, the sacred lotus, helps me to find freedom from the repeated hardship that Buddhists call the “Wheel of Suffering” whereby we perpetuate the vicious cycle of suffering by doing the same thing over and over again. The lotus flower is a beautiful symbol that serves as a reminder in my journey of life and has helped me heal in many difficult situations wherein I face my inner conflicts. 

“It has always seemed to me that symbolism should be restored to the structure of world education. The young are no longer invited to seek the hidden truths, dynamic and eternal, locked within the shapes and behavior of living beings.”
– Manly Palmer Hall

What is your symbol?