spiritual symbols in the East

The image of Buddha holding a lotus flower is a revered image representing beauty and goodness that overcomes all human temptations.

Engraving seals at ancient temples

A drizzling winter afternoon adds to the tranquil and sacred atmosphere of Con Son Pagoda in the Con Son - Kiet Bac National Special Historical Site (Chi Linh). The pagoda's roof, covered with lotus-shaped tiles (like shoe-shaped tiles), creates exquisite curves amidst the hazy clouds. Beyond the steps, beneath the pagoda's eaves, white stone foundations support pillars carved with images of blooming lotus petals.

The set of three Buddha statues seated on lotus pedestals at Con Son Pagoda has been recognized as a national treasure.

Continuing our conversation in that tranquil setting, Dr. Le Duy Manh, Deputy Head of the Con Son - Kiet Bac Relic Management Board, explained that the lotus flower has been associated with Buddhism since its inception. Therefore, it is easy to recognize traces of the lotus flower in most temples in Vietnam in general, and Hai Duong in particular.

The lotus flower grows from mud but possesses remarkable vitality, with both fragrance and beauty. In particular, according to Mr. Mạnh's explanation, the lotus is the only flower that, from its very inception, symbolizes the principle of karma – a guiding philosophy deeply rooted in Buddhism. Therefore, the lotus is considered the "national flower" of Buddhism. The Buddha, being the liberated one, is depicted seated upon a lotus pedestal.

In Eastern countries, the lotus flower is also widely used in temple sculptures, many of which have become particularly unique and distinctive. Besides the Buddha seated on a lotus pedestal, one of the most distinctive and highly focused symbols of the lotus flower in Buddhism is the image of the lotus on the Nine-Tiered Lotus Throne.

The Nine-Tiered Lotus at Dong Ngo Pagoda (Hai Duong City), completed in the year of Nham Than (1692) during the reign of King Le Hy Tong, is the most concentrated and distinctive lotus flower product in Vietnamese Buddhism. Photo: THANH CHUNG

There are currently four Nine-Tiered Lotus Pagodas in the country, and three of them are located in Hai Duong province. Two of these are ancient pagodas, dating back hundreds of years, at Dong Ngo Pagoda (Hai Duong City) and Giam Pagoda (Cam Giang district), while one was recently restored at Con Son Pagoda.

The name "Nine-Tiered Lotus" means nine tiers of lotus flowers. All sides of the Nine-Tiered Lotus are carved with lotus petals. Viewed from above, the Nine-Tiered Lotus resembles a lotus flower with densely packed petals forming a base for the seated Buddha statue.

Furthermore, at Hao Xa Pagoda (Thanh Ha) - one of the oldest pagodas in Hai Duong, dating back over a thousand years - there is still an ancient lotus-shaped stone pedestal from the Tran Dynasty. The surface of the pedestal forms two layers of lotus petals with decorative patterns bearing the distinct mark of Cham architecture. Currently, there are only 27 such ancient lotus-shaped stone pedestals remaining in the whole country.

The lotus-shaped stone pedestal at Hao Xa Pagoda (Thanh Ha) was created over a thousand years ago.

In 1979, at Con Son Pagoda, fragments of an ancient 14th-century stupa belonging to Venerable Huyen Quang, the third patriarch of the Truc Lam Zen sect, were unearthed. The entire lower part of the stupa is shaped like a lotus flower, with a total of 50-70 petals, each the size of a hand.

Today, when visiting Con Son Pagoda, Buddhists and tourists will see, in the third row from the top, a statue of Buddha holding a lotus flower. This statue, created in the 17th century, is one of the oldest Buddha statues holding a lotus flower in Hai Duong. It is also a unique image within the system of Buddha statues, a feature that not many pagodas have built and preserved to this day.

"Through the image of the Buddha holding a lotus flower, the ancients wanted to teach sentient beings to dispel the dark clouds of ignorance, so that the benevolent heart can illuminate the true heart, overcoming all temptations of life's circumstances to become a good person, like the lotus flower that grows near mud but is not tainted by the mud's stench," explained Mr. Le Duy Manh.

Fragrance permeates every home.

Many people buy lotus flowers to decorate spaces dedicated to Buddhism (photo provided by the subject).

For many years, lotus flowers have always filled many homes with their fragrant scent. Ms. Le Huyen, the owner of a flower shop in Thanh Binh ward (Hai Duong city), said that lotus flowers are one of the most popular flowers among her customers because they are not only beautiful but also have spiritual significance. Many people buy lotus flowers for worship or to display in spaces dedicated to Buddhism.

Previously, lotuses were only available in the summer. The sunlight and summer rains helped them bloom quickly, with vibrant colors and a rich fragrance. But now, lotuses also bloom in winter. There are many varieties of lotuses such as: Guanyin, Peony, Buddha's Name, Super, etc., which have a long blooming period and do not shed their petals to cater to consumer preferences.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Le often arranges and admires lotus flowers to calm her mind and reflect on the good things in life.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Le from Thanh Hai commune (Thanh Ha district) recounts that everyone in her family loves lotus flowers. Every summer, her mother would place lotus flowers on the ancestral altar. Now, having her own family, Ms. Le still preserves the beautiful tradition passed down from her mother.

“I’ve always been drawn to the serene beauty of lotus flowers. During the blooming season, I often choose large, beautiful blossoms to offer at the altar. Sometimes I also arrange lotus flowers in vases to decorate my house, adding beauty and fragrance. Every time I gaze at lotus flowers, I feel my heart calm down, and I contemplate beautiful things, just like the pure beauty and fragrance of this flower,” Ms. Le shared.

THANH NGA

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/sen-bieu-tuong-tam-linh-o-xu-dong-401090.html