In Indian tradition, the lotus is a fount of creation, source of possibilities. In Buddhist art, enlightened beings sit or stand on lotuses. When a foot is outstretched, a lotus blooms where it steps. There are countless stories of divine beings arising from lotuses.
But lotuses don’t grow in pristine fields or cultivated gardens. They rise out of mud and murky water. In the same way a lotus arises immaculate from muddy waters, enlightened beings arise unsullied from the messiness of the world. This world, so full of destructive emotions, is also the place where we can recognize our buddha nature, where we can awaken from our ignorance and see reality as it already is, where we can actually become buddhas. This is the potential we all possess, right here where we already are.
I’ve made a few silk appliqué lotuses over the years. Besides being beautiful, each lotus invites me to recognize that I don’t have to wait until everything is perfect, till my life calms down, till my circumstances improve, or till anybody else gets on board to wake up and live fully. The lotus blooms perfectly beautiful in midst of the muck. And, though I could certainly use some improvement, as Suzuki Roshi once said, my nature too is already perfect and whole.
In the Stitching Buddhas® Virtual Apprentice Program, we use the lotus as our syllabus and create a silken lotus over the course of six months. In this way, the ever-fertile lotus gives birth to thangka-makers too!
You too can join the Stitching Buddhas class and cultivate your own possibilities!
Donna, Massachusetts, USA
“I had been looking for my next art path, after being a doll maker for 20+ years. I was also looking for a way to integrate my spiritual journey with my art, and this course excited me with that possibility. Now that I have been involved with the virtual apprentice program for a number of years, I find that the images we work with continue to provide me with spiritual sustenance, and the stitching itself is like a meditation for me.
With each new project, I have developed my stitching skills, and it’s a wonderful feeling to master a new challenge!
“I very much enjoy connecting with the others in our group as well, some of whom live in faraway places. Meeting online monthly, plus yearly retreats, all help to keep us connected and growing in this art, in our spirituality, and in our lives. A big bravo to Leslie for creating an amazing program!”
