The lotus grows out of the mud, the muddy water. The mud, the dirt, everything drips off and it grows into a beautiful flower. Therefore, it is no coincidence that in Buddhism Buddhas are always depicted on a lotus. The lotus stands for enlightenment, awakening from the arising and passing away of sorrowful experiences. Because of those experiences, we normally allow ourselves to be impressed, react to them again and again, and create new sorrowful experiences. In the awakened state of a Buddha, this does not happen. Therefore, the Buddha is free from suffering like the lotus is free from mud.
2021, Oilpaint on Canvas, 40×50 cm