An inhospitable muddy pond sat in the wilderness; plain and barren. Observing this pool of mud, no one expects any life to flourish in these in hostile conditions. However, one’s mentality changes by the sight of this unique flower which surpasses all expectations.


The lotus blooms where no plant can survive. With its petals vibrant red, it creates a contrast with the dark background that surrounds it. As a result, this flower is always hunted by daring photographers who are willing to trek the swamps to get a shot of this profitable setting. In addition, it is also favored for its medicinal properties. Although the flower of the lotus is not much of a use to Chinese Medicine, its seeds are valued for its healing properties and as a popular dessert among the Chinese.


I have always admired the lotus; partly because it tastes really good when cooked as a soup. The ability to thrive in an inhabitable place is what gained my respect for these humble flowers. I believe that there is a slight possibility that the mud, in which the lotus anchors itself into, is the cause of its beauty. In our lives, we choose the “clean” and easy route to success. Protected by the four walls of home and school, we are pampered to the extent that we become “greenhouse cultivated” people. The lotus, on the other hand, are exposed to the five elements of nature; fire, water, wind, air and DIRT. They are on their own in the wild. For the lotus, it is either live or die. We still have a net to catch us when we fall. When its time for the lotus to bloom, it emits the dazzling colours it's been hiding but only shows it to those who wish to see. It's the result of years of fighting. However, we sometimes fail to bloom as we do not try hard enough as a mentality of being saved again is instilled in us.


So are you a lotus?

10:39 PM