Study of a Water Lily

The water lily is perhaps the most poetic flower that exists and is known as Nymphaea; an aquatic plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. They are opulent with iridescent colors and dream their hours away in their watery gardens. Some water lilies open under reflected sunlight and sink beneath the water at twilight, while other species such as the Egyptian white water lily seek moonlight. Should you be so fortunate as to view one in perfect bloom it will intoxicate you with its bewitching beauty and leave an indelible watery impression of the other world upon you. 

The water lily studies that I am presenting in this series were captured at the: UC Botanical Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Pool of Enchantment outside of the De Young Museum in 2014.

Pink lotus

This is the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity, sometimes confused with the white lotus it is the lotus of the historical Buddha.

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_lotus.htm

in the temple of my flower said, Princess Haiku

I captured these beautiful magnolias in the San Francisco Botanical Garden yesterday. The photo above is a Magnoliaceae, or Magnolia Dawnsoniana which is native to China.

This is a Magnolia Stellata, Water Lily. I spend several hours snapping as I knew a pineapple express storm was making its way into the San Francisco Bay Area from Northern California.

This is another Magnolia Dawsoniana flower from a tree that is about 40 feet high.

I love the delicate star like blossoms of the Magnolia Stellata. Several stellata trees were at peak bloom and I knew after the storm few petals would be left.

The hours of a magnolia blossom's life are few. I was happy to be able to experience the full beauty of the trees.

These two are Magnolia Dawsonianas and viewing them required a telephoto lens.

The serenity that I experience in the temple of my flowers is all encompassing. I hope that you enjoyed your small view of my world. Thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who work at the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

heart of a magnolia Spring said Princess Haiku

I captured these photos yesterday in the San Francisco Botanical garden.

I found myself lost in the pale of a blue January day and swept away by tranquility.

The perfection of a white magnolia is a mind's eye.

A buddha moment captures beauty.

Study of a Water Lily

The water lily is perhaps the most poetic flower that exists and is known as Nymphaea; an aquatic plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. They are opulent with iridescent colors and dream their hours away in their watery gardens. Some water lilies open under reflected sunlight and sink beneath the water at twilight, while other species such as the Egyptian white water lily seek moonlight. Should you be so fortunate as to view one in perfect bloom it will intoxicate you with its bewitching beauty and leave an indelible watery impression of the other world upon you.  

Study of a Water Lily

The water lily is perhaps the most poetic flower that exists and is known as Nymphaea; an aquatic plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. They are opulent with iridescent colors and dream their hours away in their watery gardens. Some water lilies open under reflected sunlight and sink beneath the water at twilight, while other species such as the Egyptian white water lily seek moonlight. Should you be so fortunate as to view one in perfect bloom it will intoxicate you with its bewitching beauty and leave an indelible watery impression of the other world upon you. 

Red lotus

This symbolizes the original nature of the heart (hrdaya). It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion, activity and all the qualities of the heart. It is the lotus of Avalokitesvara. http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_lotus.htm

Study of a Water Lily

 The water lily is perhaps the most poetic flower that exists and is known as Nymphaea; an aquatic plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. They are opulent with iridescent colors and dream their hours away in their watery gardens. Some water lilies open under reflected sunlight and sink beneath the water at twilight, while other species such as the Egyptian white water lily seek moonlight. Should you be so fortunate as to view one in perfect bloom it will intoxicate you with its bewitching beauty and leave an indelible watery impression of the other world upon you. 


Purple lotus

This is the mystic lotus, represented only in images belonging to a few esoteric sects. The flowers may be in full bloom and reveal their heart, or in a bud. They may be supported by a simple stem, a triple stem (symbolizing the three divisions of Garbhadhatu: Vairocana, lotus and vajra), or a quintuple stem (symbolizing the Five Knowledges of Vajradhatu). The eight petals represent the Noble Eightfold Path and the eight principal acolyte deities of the central deity on the mandalas. The flowers may also be depicted presented in a cup or on a tray, as a symbol of homage.

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_lotus.htm

Study of a Water Lily

The water lily is perhaps the most poetic flower that exists and is known as Nymphaea; an aquatic plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. They are opulent with iridescent colors and dream their hours away in their watery gardens. Some water lilies open under reflected sunlight and sink beneath the water at twilight, while other species such as the Egyptian white water lily seek moonlight. Should you be so fortunate as to view one in perfect bloom it will intoxicate you with its bewitching beauty and leave an indelible watery impression of the other world upon you. 

The water lily was inspired by the nymphs of Greek and Latin mythology and the lotus often appears in Hindu and Buddhist stories as well. Terra-cotta plaques from the 12^th century depict the goddess Asherah holding two lotus blossoms. Ivory panels from. Long ago show the god Horus seated on a lotus blossom. The sacredness of the flower is illustrated by its frequent reference to Buddha. When Buddha walked the earth he left lotuses in his trail instead of footprints. The phrase "Om mani padme hum," which used in meditation means "the jewel in the lotus" refers to the Buddha or to the mystical union of male and female energies.

The water lily studies that I am presenting in this series were captured at the: UC Botanical Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Pool of Enchantment outside of the De Young Museum in 2014.

Red lotus

This symbolizes the original nature of the heart (hrdaya). It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion, activity and all the qualities of the heart. It is the lotus of Avalokitesvara. 

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_lotus.htm

Study of a Water Lily

The water lily is perhaps the most poetic flower that exists and is known as Nymphaea; an aquatic plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. They are opulent with iridescent colors and dream their hours away in their watery gardens. Some water lilies open under reflected sunlight and sink beneath the water at twilight, while other species such as the Egyptian white water lily seek moonlight. Should you be so fortunate as to view one in perfect bloom it will intoxicate you with its bewitching beauty and leave an indelible watery impression of the other world upon you. 

The water lily was inspired by the nymphs of Greek and Latin mythology and the lotus often appears in Hindu and Buddhist stories as well. Terra-cotta plaques from the 12^th century depict the goddess Asherah, holding two lotus blossoms. Ivory panels from. Long ago show the god Horus seated on a lotus blossom. The sacredness of the flower is illustrated by its frequent reference to Buddha. When Buddha walked the earth he left lotuses in his trail instead of footprints. The phrase "Om mani padme hum," which used in meditation means "the jewel in the lotus" refers to the Buddha or to the mystical union of male and female energies.

The water lily studies that I am presenting in this series were captured at the: UC Botanical Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Pool of Enchantment outside of the De Young Museum in 2014.

White lotus

This symbolizes Bodhi, the state of total mental purity and spiritual perfection, and the pacification of our nature. It generally has eight petals corresponding to the Noble Eightfold Path of the Good Law. It is the lotus found at the heart of the Garbhadhatu Mandala, being the womb or embryo of the world. It is characteristic of the esoteric sects, and the lotus of the Buddhas.

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_lotus.htm

hidden flora most fascinating said, Princess Haiku

Lily pollen, maiden ferns, amber lotus petal, streaks of cerulean blue and human desire. -In pursuit of a new day and shadows for my ghostly lens.

good morning Spring, said Princess Haiku

pretty ballerina said , Princess Haiku

There are two magnolia trees blooming in the San Francisco Botanical Garden and I was able to capture some views of their ballerina pink blooms. These blooms are very delicate and susceptible to January rains. It was an unusual moment of perfection.

a winter of flower said, Princess Haiku

A winter of flowers bloom in the San Francisco Botanical Garden. You might think that January is a month of snow flowers and pristine landscapes, but not here in Northern California. Our season's are so mild that there is always something in bloom. This Aphrodite flower quite took my breath away.

a lotus from the far past, said Princess Haiku

a morning awakened by lotus, said Princess Haiku

a Goddess Lotus, said Princess Haiku