In May we were fortunate to spend time with extended family in Thailand. We were often near rivers or on river boats and saw the beautiful lotus plants that are so prevalent in Thailand.
Lotus in Thai is called "dok bua" and is recognized as not only the country's most common flower but also is the traditional flower of Buddhism. In Buddhist art, the Buddha is sometimes portrayed from birth to enlightenment as walking, sitting, standing and attaining enlightenment on a lotus.
There are four stages of the lotus that correspond to the growth of a human being. When one is uneducated and lacking in wisdom, we are like the seed in the mud. Then we progress to the bud, emerging wisdom and soon to the flower and the completely open bloom as it breaks the surface of the water, it signifies Nirvana.
Coming in the fall there will be a show, "Linear Visions" with the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society, and I hope to have a painting in that show. At present the SCVWS is showing work at the Los Altos Library and in August a show will be at the Norton Gallery in Palo Alto. Look on the SCVWS website for details. www.scvws.org
Mom- you know I LOVE this picture. The purple is so vibrant. The picture is lovely and I enjoyed the story of the lotus flower.
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