The Lotus in the Buddhist Art of India / Teoh Eng Soon

Includes Index

The lotus holds a central and powerful place in the Buddhist art of India, symbolizing spiritual purity, enlightenment, and the journey of the soul toward liberation. Growing unstained from muddy waters, the lotus represents the Buddha’s rise above worldly suffering and desire, making it an ideal metaphor for the Buddhist path. In early Buddhist art, the lotus often appears as a symbolic presence rather than a human image of the Buddha, featured in carvings on stupas, railings, and gateways at sites such as Sanchi and Bharhut. As Buddhist art evolved, especially during the Gandhara and Mathura periods, the lotus became closely associated with the Buddha and bodhisattvas, frequently shown as a throne or pedestal upon which they sit or stand. Different stages of the lotus—bud, half-blossomed, and fully open—are used to suggest various levels of spiritual awakening and inner realization. The motif also extends into decorative elements, such as halo patterns, architectural designs, and manuscript illustrations, reinforcing its sacred meaning