As a Farm Woman Thinks

By Mrs. A.J. Wilder

The lotus is the sacred emblem of Buddhism, because in its rise from the bottom of ponds to the light and sweet air above where it puts forth its large green leaves and beautiful blossoms "it symbolizes triumph over self, extinction of the fires of passion, abnegation and self control." It is a beautiful example of the growth of good with darkness and evil left behind. But this is accomplished only by a reaching upward and a striving toward the light—a longing for the pure air and sunshine.

The lotus gardens of Japan are renowned for their beauty. The plants have large corded, green leaves 2 feet across and wonderful blossoms that float above the water with the birds and butterflies in the sunshine. It is here that the women of Japan delight to spend their summer afternoons.

One cannot imagine the lotus sprouts crawling around on the bottom of the ponds without making the effort to rise higher into all this beauty and fragrance leaving the mud behind. There is a lesson for us all in this symbol of an old, old religion.

If we wish to help make beauty and joy in the world, living in it and becoming lovely ourselves, also, we must follow the example of the lotus and strive toward light and purity into the sunshine of the good.

Mrs. A.J. Wilder. "As a Farm Woman Thinks." Missouri Ruralist (February 1, 1924): 39.  CLICK HERE to see this article as it originally appeared in the Missouri Ruralist.

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