The Lotus Prond Project
The lotus flower is regarded as a Symbol of the innate purity in our hearts.
A lotus grows in muddy water, but its bud rises above the mud.
It emerges toward the Sunlight and when it opens its petals, the flower is untouched by the muddy water, so pure and beautiful.
A Zen verse says, “May we exist in muddy water with purity, like a lotus”.
Karuna Lotus Pond Update
With the help of our good volunteers, a number of Lotus plants
were transferred into the Karuna pond many months ago. As you
can see, in the first year they bloomed with pink flowers during
the warm summer. The flowers gave us much joy and hope, and
when the big leaves of the plants started to cover the pond after
the flowering, it was like a celebration that they had made their
home in the Karuna pond.
We did not know whether the lotus plants would survive the cold
winter at Katoomba. Let’s hope they did survive well and that
many more flowers will bloom as the warm weather returns. We
can then appreciate them greatly after the lockdown.
Nara
August 2021
Lotus flowers can also bring Hope and Spiritual Inspiration to people.
Our Hope is that those children who have disadvantaged background and have gone through difficulties, like living in the muddy water, will be encouraged to grow towards their hopes and possibilities by realising their ability to rise above their adversities. With guidance and care, they may be able to bloom just like a lotus.
Our vision is that the Lotus Pond can provide all visitors an environment where they can reflect on their spirituality and nurture a sense of purity and be inspired to be just like a lotus.