The Lotus Flower . . .

Throughout many cultures the lotus has been a powerful spiritual image and sacred flower.

A lotus is a symbol of divine birth, spiritual development and creation.
The bud of the lotus symbolizes spiritual potential. Rising from unclean water to blossom as a pure, and breath taking flower, it can be compared to one's individual consciousness, unfolding.
The specific yogic teaching that addresses energy centers within the human being, known as the chakra system, uses a lotus with varied numbers of petals representing each particular chakra. The crown chakra is the thousand-petaled lotus. Its blossoming indicates enlightenment.
The Buddhist mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" refers to the "jewel in the lotus," which represents enlightenment. It is claimed that this mantra has great mystical power, with transcendental truth in its words.

The lotus also represents purity and non-attachment, and is a symbol of Bhakti or love for the Divine, who resides in one's heart.
Pervading Eastern philosophy for thousands of years, poets, sages, saints, masters and gurus have associated the lotus, also, as a metaphor for the divine feet of exalted spiritual beings. This is where the phrase "lotus feet" found in many Eastern teachings, originates.

Main source of this post has been adapted from an internet article by Laurel Fishman.