Sacred flower in Hinduism and Buddhism NYT

The crossword clue "Sacred flower in Hinduism and Buddhism" with the answer "LOTUS" refers to the lotus flower, which holds profound spiritual significance in both religions. In Hinduism, the lotus is a symbol of purity and beauty, often associated with various deities, including Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.

The flower rises from muddy waters, representing spiritual emergence and enlightenment, as it remains untainted by its environment. In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes the journey to enlightenment, where the flower’s growth from murky waters into a pristine bloom signifies the potential for all beings to achieve spiritual awakening. Thus, the lotus embodies a powerful metaphor for purity, spiritual growth, and divine beauty across these two major faiths.

The crossword clue "Sacred flower in Hinduism and Buddhism" with the answer "KAMAL" refers to the lotus flower, known as "kamal" in several Indian languages, including Hindi and Sanskrit. In Hinduism, the kamal symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening, often associated with deities such as Lakshmi, who is depicted seated on a lotus.

The flower’s ability to bloom beautifully above murky waters represents the soul’s potential to rise above worldly distractions and attain enlightenment. In Buddhism, the kamal similarly signifies the journey toward enlightenment, where the blooming flower serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth and the emergence from ignorance. Thus, the term "kamal" captures the rich symbolism of the lotus in both religions, representing divine beauty and the quest for spiritual purity.

The crossword clue "Sacred flower in Hinduism and Buddhism" with the answer "NELUMBO" refers to the Nelumbo genus, which includes the sacred lotus and the American lotus. In Hinduism, the Nelumbo flower is often revered as a symbol of purity, beauty, and enlightenment. It is associated with several deities, including Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is frequently depicted sitting on a lotus.

This connection emphasizes the flower's significance as an emblem of spiritual awakening and divine beauty. In Buddhism, the Nelumbo represents the journey toward enlightenment, symbolizing how individuals can rise above suffering and ignorance, much like the lotus that emerges from muddy waters to bloom in pristine beauty. The Nelumbo's unique ability to thrive in challenging environments makes it a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth and transformation in both religions.

The crossword clue "Sacred flower in Hinduism and Buddhism" with the answer "PADMA" refers to the lotus flower, known as "padma" in Sanskrit and various Indian languages. In Hinduism, padma is highly revered and symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment. It is often depicted in association with important deities, such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is frequently shown seated on a padma.

This imagery emphasizes the lotus's role as a symbol of divine beauty and spiritual awakening, emerging untainted from muddy waters. In Buddhism, the padma represents the path to enlightenment, embodying the potential for individuals to rise above suffering and ignorance. The lotus’s growth from murky depths to a radiant bloom serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual development and transformation, making it a significant symbol in both religions. Thus, "padma" encapsulates the rich spiritual meanings associated with the lotus in Hinduism and Buddhism.