Unfolding the Lotus

In Buddhism, the lotus is the symbol of enlightenment and the peace that comes from reaching higher states of consciousness. Deities in China and India are often portrayed sitting or standing on giant lotus pedestals to symbolize their divinity. In India, chakras (centers of spiritual power in the human body) are referred to as lotuses. The highest chakra is even described as the "thousand-petaled lotus."

In "Lotus Summer," Chi-Jen Liu illustrates spring with fresh pink lotuses at the bottom, and autumn's approach with dried lotus leaves at the top. Summer is right in the middle, where sumptuous lotus leaves and flowers take center stage. By painting this cross-section of the lotus' life cycle, the artist shows us the past and future, and encourages us to be present in the now.

In "Lotus Autumn," artist Chi-Jen Liu reveals his background as a master of feng shui by the way he arranges the lotus leaves and flowers to correspond with constellations. According to Taoist astrological texts, our planet is influenced by the stars and planetary alignments. To emphasize the cosmic analogy of lotuses as stars, he gives each lotus head a golden halo and describes them as "health and longevity galaxies."

In "Lotus Winter," the mountains are white with frost and the pond is covered with heavy layers of snow. The lotuses are quiet and dormant, patiently waiting for spring's arrival. Meanwhile, a turtle silently watches the changing landscape and is lulled into hibernation. Together, the lotus and turtle welcome winter as a season for rest and peace. Chi-Jen Liu created this serene image to show the necessity of taking respite as we get older.

The turtle's reputation of living long and aging gracefully has made it into a universal symbol for longevity. In China, they have been prized for their restorative properties, and some traditional Chinese remedies include using turtles for food and medicine. Chi-Jen Liu, an appreciator of Chinese herbal medicine, believes that nature provides all the ingredients humans need for preventing bodily ailments. The lotus was originally grown as food and for medicinal purposes. Each part of the plant is edible and can be used to treat various gastrointestinal and blood related disorders. In China, lotus seeds are regarded as nutritious and rejuvenating for the body.

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