The Lotus

The Lotus represents spiritual enfoldment, and each chakra or principle energy centre is represented by a lotus, which when its petals are downturned, are coloured and influenced by the external world, and when bright and upturned, as toward the Sun, are bright and life enhancing. The heart lotus is central and viewed as the seat of the Divine, and when enlivened by the light of the Divine Sun, will enlighten and refine the whole body.

The lotus is symbolic of a spiritual and developmental process; and one of the most profound experiences possible during meditation, is the awakening of the heart chakra. This awakening process can be expressed through the form of a Rose, or any other natural living object of significance and beauty. Beauty is something that is felt when aware of a perfectly balanced form; and such is the nature of this heartfelt experience, that we can feel the possibility of expressing this, even before we have discovered its final form and shape.

When meditating on the heart chakra, start to feel for the beauty that is within; then refining the breath, let the light of the breath further energise the experience. This is essentially a Bhakti Yoga meditation that explores the heavenly within, and does not rely on what has gone before. Practise calm inward looking and that which you feel will gradually express itself in levels of consciousness, best described as other worldly. It is natural that at the start you will recall memories of that which you have experienced as beautiful, this in itself will be rewarding. Continue to return to centre with open heart and mind.

The mystical experience of ‘awakening the heart chakra’ is usually presaged by an increase of creativity, and occasionally by a visionary link that will transform consciousness and our perception of the world. This is not dissimilar to what happens when the light of the Sun, reaching down to the earth, transforms the earth with developing life-forms. It is the inner light of consciousness that crystallises the beauty within, manifesting as an unfolding Rose or Lotus.

To whatever degree we awaken to the harmony that lies within, it will not only change the way we feel, but also refine our perception of the world. The beauty that lies within, when acted upon, becomes a way of expressing the heavenly or Divine in the world. No matter what problems we have to face, there is always a best way of doing things; and by feeling for the beauty within will help modify our actions and establish beneficial karma.

The yantra at the level of the heart chakra is two interlaced triangles in the form of a six pointed star. One points upward to the heavens and the other down toward the earth. This is an important guide to a continuing meditation that can takes place day or night. The inflowing breath representing the upward pointing triangle and transcendent breath, which can be consciously refined as it reaches upward toward light and consciousness. The out-breath represents a return to earth, when with a still mind we extend our experience of peace and light to the whole body.

Consciousness is a catalyst, and not unlike the light of the Sun that transforms the earth, so similarly does the light of consciousness have the power to refine, transform and heal. The interlaced triangles are a reminder of the important link between heaven and earth with the heart chakra, which when awakened is experienced uniquely in the unfolding lotus of the heart. The Chinese refer to the Secret of the Golden Flower; it is only secret in the nature of its enfolding, which is unique to each.

The lotus of the heart gives form to spirit and acts as a link between the all comprehending light of eternity and the apparently mundane world of our daily lives. The experience when it comes, if not cloaked by private purpose, holds the key to the gradual transformation of the chakras and energy systems of the body. To avoid adverse affects to the nervous system, it’s important to lead the best life that you can, and be guided by the Yamas and Nyamas.

If all the world understood and practised yoga and were guided by the subtle light within, it would transform the world in which we lived and make peace and harmony between peoples and nations become a real possibility.