Sacred Lotus or Nelumbo nucifera

Photograph: "The life cycle a Thai Nelumbo Lotus"
Photos: Saar Shalev

Pink Nelumbo lotus - Thailand

Sacred Lotus or Nelumbo nucifera : 
Lotus was founded since the modern era.
For Thai people Lotus represent the queen of aquatic plants, it is a symbol of righteousness & goodness.
It is the flower of Buddhism, Thais use Nelumbo lotus for religious offering to Lord Buddha… 
Lord Buddha compared people to the lotus: 
1.Some are very wise, with minimal defilement, ready to attain enlightenment whenever exposes to Dharma, similar to the Nelumbo lotus flowers, above the water which are ready to bloom upon exposure to the sunlight.
2.Some are wise, with little defilement, yet need more training to attain enlightenment, similar to the lotus flowers at the water surface that will bloom only on the next day.
3.Some with fair amount of defilement, need more instructions and training to become wiser and be ready to attain enlightenment, similar to the lotus flowers under the water, waiting more time to grow above the water level to bloom during the successive days to follow.
4.and Some are full of defilement, with a dull mind, unable to attain enlightenment, similar to the lotus flowers in the mud under the water, that will be eaten by fish and turtles.