The Blue Lotus

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਕਮਲੁ ਪਰਗਾਸਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਾਗੇ ਰਾਮ ॥

The heart-lotus deep within has blossomed forth, and through the Guru, spiritual wisdom has been awakened within.

– Guru Granth Sahib, p. 845

The blue lotus, also known today to be a water lily, has been steeped in symbolism since the time of the Egyptians, where it was used as a metaphor for creation, rebirth and of the sun, due to the way it raises out of the water, over a small period of time, flowers in the morning to the late afternoon, before sinking below the surface again. It also plays a key role in Buddhism where its color is thought to be associated with a victory of the spirit of self, that is to say being able to leave wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge behind and becoming open to spirituality and the attachment to life. Inspired by the above sentiment, this pastel and pen painting reflects on the presence of the Divine within oneself which one becomes increasingly aware of as one becomes detached from the illusory world.

The word, Waheguru – ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ– is pronounced “Wah-hay-guroo.” Wah means Infinite, hay means Thou, and Guru means Higher Self, or the Divine Teacher within each sentient being.

This is the mantra which has been lovingly handwritten minutely in the painting to portray the omnipresent Divine energy.

Limited Edition Signed Print:

Available in size:
16 x 16″