The lotus is rooted in deep mud and its stem grows through murky water. But the blossom rises above the muck and opens in the sun, beautiful and fragrant. In Buddhism, the lotus represents the true nature of beings.
In ponds and stretches of still water all over the country, lotus flowers bloom pink and white. They often grow naturally, but where there are no lotus, Khmers will plant them.
The pink ones (and not the white) will go eventually to seed, becoming the green pad that can be seen being hawked all over the country. The seeds are popped out one by one, peeled and the sweet flesh eaten.
The pink ones (and not the white) will go eventually to seed, becoming the green pad that can be seen being hawked all over the country. The seeds are popped out one by one, peeled and the sweet flesh eaten.
- Lotus represents purity. It has a delicate perfume and a beautiful shape so people use the flower for religious and dedication purposes.- Lotus represent everything we wish to express and become as good Buddhists.
- Lotus is the symbol of learning and cognitive thought.
In Buddhism, lotus flowers mean purity of speech, mind and body rising above the waters of desire and attachment. The lotus is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. Different colors of lotus are symbolically used to represent aspects of perfection. There are four colors, which are pink, blue, red and white. Red represents the heart--its purity, original nature, compassion, passion, love and other qualities. White symbolizes spiritual perfection and complete mental purity. Pink represents the Buddha and is the supreme lotus. Blue means wisdom, knowledge and victory over the senses.
Some types of Lotus
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Colour of Blossom | |
 | Nelumbium ‘Alba Grandiflora’ | White | |
 | Nelumbium ‘Angel Wings’ | White | |
 | Nelumbium ‘Baby Doll’ | White | |
 | Nelumbium ‘Carolina Queen’ | Pink | |
 | Nelumbium ‘Charles Thomas’ | Lavender | |
 | Nelumbium Lutea | Yellow | |
 | Nelumbium Momo Botan | Deep rosey pink | |
 | Nelumbium ‘Mrs Perry D Slocum’ | Changeable bicolour | |
 | Nelumbium Nucifera | Rose pink | |
 | Nelumbium Nucifera ‘Alba Plena’ | Cream white | |
 | Nelumbium Nucifera ‘Pekinensis Rubra’ | Carmine Red | |
 | Nelumbium Nucifera ‘Perry’s Giant Sunburst’ | White, Yellow | |
| Nelumbium Nucifera ‘Shirokunshi’ | White | ||
 | Nelumbium Nucifera var. rosea | Rose pink with yellow center | |
 | Nelumbium Roseum Plena | Deep rosey pink, yellow wing |
Large pink lotus and large white lotus are common in Cambodia