Korean Buddhist temples are resplendent with stunning colors. Whether it be the interior or exterior of temple shrine halls, gates or gardens, temples are filled with these stunning hues. And if you look close enough, you’ll often find that these colors take the form of flowers like the lotus flower, peonies, roses and hydrangeas.
The most prominent flower that you’ll find at Korean Buddhist temples is the lotus flower, which is known as “yeonggot” in Korean. In Korean Buddhism, 스포츠 the lotus flower can appear almost anywhere including in paintings, latticework, altars, nimbus, mandorla (an almond-shaped object that surrounds the entire body), statues, bells and pedestals.
In general, the lotus is associated with faithfulness, spiritual awakening and purity. It is also known to symbolize purity of speech, body and of the mind. The reason for this is that the lotus flower emerges from the muddy and murky water perfectly clean. This symbolism is manifested in the purity of the enlightened mind rising above the muddy midst of the suffering of Samsara (endless cycle of rebirth).