Lotus Spirit

Subtle traces of energy emanate into unseen realms as the lotus begins to suspend time and space in the illuminated presence of the eternal spirit. The warmth of light and the calming purity of creation cascade along the invisible line that separates the human world from the divine, while the lotus allows a small crack between the worlds to emerge and expand. The lotus flower, representing "primordial purity" (Tibetan: ཀ་དག, Wylie: ka dag) of body, speech, and mind, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire; represents the full blossoming of wholesome deeds in blissful liberation. A common misconception is referring to the lotus as a waterlily. This plant is an aquatic perennial. Under favorable circumstances its seeds may remain viable for many years, with the oldest recorded lotus germination being from that of seeds 1,300 years old recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China. The English word spirit comes from the Latin spiritus, meaning "breath", but also "spirit, soul, courage, vigor", ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European word. Some languages use a word for "spirit" often closely related (if not synonymous) to "mind". Examples include the German, Geist (related to the English word "ghost") or the French, 'l'esprit'. English versions of the Judaeo-Christian Bible most commonly translate the Hebrew word "ruach" (רוח; "wind") as "the spirit", whose essence is divine. Various forms of animism, such as Japan's Shinto and African traditional religion, focus on invisible beings that represent or connect with plants, animals (sometimes called "Animal Fathers)". Translators usually employ the English word "spirit" when trying to express the idea of such entities.