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If you had to think of the most common symbols of Buddhism or Buddhist thought,
one of the first things that has to come to your mind is the lotus flower, and it's actually not arbitrary at all.
I mean,
it's not like big lotus flower incorporated lobbied Congress to become the official flower sponsor of Buddhism so they can make a bunch of money.
It's a powerful metaphor for the path to enlightenment.
The plant itself is actually an aquatic perennial.
It grows most of its life underwater,
and it's tough to find naturally occurring pools of stagnant water that aren't swamp lands, especially in India.
It begins growing from the floor of the swamp through the muddy, disgusting swamp water.
It reaches for the light, and when it finally reaches the surface, it blossoms.
And if you've never seen a lotus flower in full bloom, it's one of the most beautiful flowers you'll ever see,