©2002 by Rupa Shah, MD, Maker of
Aum Himalaya Sanjeevini Essences
The legendary lotus flower is pictured at right and in our mandala gallery . It was given the botanical name Nelumbo nucifera or Nelumbium speciosum. It is an erect plant growing in ponds, its rootstock stout and creeping.
Its leaves stand high above water level, round, two to three feet in diameter, margins
raised upwards, leaf stalk and flower stalk three to six feet long, hollow, smooth or
with scattered prickles. The flowers are red, white, and yellow, four to ten inches in diameter,
petals numerous.
The physical characteristics of the plant and its beautiful blossom reflect
its spiritual symbolism and properties, as well, in what is known as the Doctrine of Signatures (editor's note: see an article from last issue for more about this concept).
The lotus grows in the muddy water of still ponds and lakes.
The magnificent blossom unfolds gradually, one
petal at a time, till full-bloom in the morning when the sun's rays touch the flower.
As the lotus awakens and blooms at the first rays of the morning sun, the interdependence between
the lotus and the sun is a symbol of love.
The plant has its roots
deep in the soil under water. The long, cylindrical stalk passes through
the water and rises above the water's surface. The mud in which the lotus roots grow
represents material life, while the water through which the stalk passes represents
the astral world. When the plant reaches the surface of the water and opens its bud
to the sun, it represents spiritual being.
The crown chakra -- the energy center at the top of the head -- is also called
"The Thousand-Petalled Lotus", which is a symbol of final revelation. It is believed
that the transformation of the world into paradise can occur through the lotus,
which expounds fully the oneness of all life. In Buddhist tradition, the fully-opened
lotus has a strong solar character, and its petals are likened to the rays of the sun; it is a symbol of enlightenment. In the Egyptian tradition, also, the same
theme is repeated.
Meditating on the lotus brings harmony into all aspects of our being,
within and without. Given the lotus plant's potency as a symbol, and its thousands of years of association with spiritual
practice in many traditions, we believe that this essence is the foremost flower essence on this planet.
As a flower essence, Lotus has many uses. It is called the spiritual elixir.
It helps in meditation by calming the mind and improving concentration.
Thus it assists in spiritual growth -- take seven drops before meditation.
It is beneficial when used as a spray around the places of ceremony. When combined with crystals,
it is very powerful in its effect. Lotus is an excellent elixir for balancing, cleansing, and strengthening the aura.
All the chakras are aligned
and balanced by releasing, adding, or directing energies to them, thus resulting in better health
and harmony.
Lotus also
balances and amplifies the effects of other flower essences when used in a combination.
It corrects emotional imbalances by allowing a gentle release of emotions. For example,
a case of severe backache may be due to a suppression of emotions and a storing of negative
emotions and can be helped by the release of emotions through dreams.
It is a good harmonizing essence for interpersonal relationships as well
as for our connections with our animals.
In general, Lotus hastens recovery from illness,
so it can be given to the patient at the start of therapy. It is a very good aid to healers in
diagnosing patients more accurately and ameliorates the anxiety of a healer
about the patient's problems. When in doubt about which therapy to prescribe or when the patient's condition is confusing, Lotus opens up the case
by clearing the picture.
Lotus aids in cleaning the entire system of toxins -- physical or subtle.
It can be used in bath therapy, and can also be used locally along with lotus oil, or
in a cream or lotion base with Lotus essence added. The essence augments
the effectiveness of Kinesiology, Aromatherapy, Homoeopathy and tissue salts and
is also used on acupressure points.
EDITORS' NOTE: Dr. Shah's three previous contributions to Vibration are are Chicory: A Boon in Dealing with Excessively Needy Children and Patients,
Ashoka -- the Sorrowless Tree of India and Saint John's Wort: A Miraculous Remedy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: DR. RUPA A. SHAH trained in allopathy in
Bombay but developed a very keen interest in Homeopathy about 10 years
back. While researching & treating patients, she came across the flower
remedies. On getting highly encouraging results, she decided along with her Doctor
husband to produce and research Himalayan Flower Essences, as there was much ancient
philosophy behind Indian Flower Remedies. She is also a trained
aromatherapist and combines this discipline with flower essences.
She has dedicated her life to researching flower remedies and is sharing her
findings with practitioners all over the world. Being trained in medicine has helped her to
present her findings scientifically, which is more convincing to her colleagues and stirs
their interest in Flower Remedies. You are invited to visit the
Aum Himalaya Sanjeevini Essence web site or to contact her by
e-mail.
ART CREDITS: This graphic treatment is by Word of Mouth Web Design, based on a lotus photo from Art Today.
