Lotus flowers are considered sacred in China, Tibet and India and the lotus flower is symbolic in Hindu and Buddhist religions as lotus displays all the different stages of growth simultaneously – bud, flower and seed pod.
Lotus: Nelumbo nucifera
Earth laughs in flowers 
Stunning, beautiful delicate colour – love these flowers
I had hoped to see more and get closer, but this is the best I could do with my compact camera. They are very interesting plants.
I love lotus gardens. These are beautiful, Jude. 🙂
Serene is the word that comes to mind for these sacred flowers
For a long time I thought that lotus were the same as water lilies, but they are completely different beauties aren’t they?Your photos are stunning portraits Jude.
Thanks Gilly, I also thought they were the same plant, but then I hadn’t actually seen any and I think some water-lilies were known as lotus flowers – they clearly are very different.
A splendid post Jude. I particularly love the lead photo with its striations. Serenity is what these photos give, and what I need a bit of, now we’re eight! I’ve grabbed time alone – in the laundromat, and with Internet connection – none at my daughter’s.
I love a show off plant, Jude 🙂