Why the Lotus?

November 15, 2009

Many women I’ve spoken with have asked me about the AWFD logo: “Is it a lotus flower?”…followed quickly by that one word question we hear from our children as they grow…”Why?”

Here is my most elaborate answer:

The lotus flower has a unique characteristic in that it blooms and sheds its seeds at the same time. In the context of Buddhism, the theory of karma says that, just like the lotus flower, our life is made up of cause and effect. Every cause — be it action, word or thought — will imprint an effect that can be seen in this lifetime or in future lives.
In Buddhist paintings and sculpture, the Buddha is often seated on a lotus flower. The lotus produces a beautiful flower even with its roots in the dirtiest water. The symbolism is that a person can rise above being rooted in the ugliness and suffering of this world, and should try to be pure and help others with the beauty of the spirit.

Seated there, the Buddha is the symbol of the awakened Mind, which is self-existent, independent, and self-regenerating.

The lotus flower too, is a symbol of “self-regeneration”, as it is believed to be able to reproduce from its own matrix.

I thought it to be the perfect symbol for our organization…don’t you?

If such an image inspires you to join the ranks of women in funeral service who have become members, visit the Join Now page. It’s easy to become a member – I’ve even made it possible to do so by check, for those of you who elect not to use a debit or credit card online.

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