What’s up with this blog name?

I suppose I should explain the name of this blog, since it might not make any sense if you haven’t studied a Buddhism a bit. So here goes: In Buddhism, there are what are called the Eight Auspicious Symbols. You can think of them as little icons to remind Buddhists about certain tenets and precepts. The Endless Knot is one of those symbols. A View on Buddhism has this to say:

The Auspicious or Endless Knot is a geometric diagram which symbolizes the nature of reality where everything is interrelated and only exists as part of a web of karma and its effect. Having no beginning or end, it also represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, and the union of compassion and wisdom. Also, it represents the illusory character of time, and long life as it is endless.

That last little bit, “... long life as it is endless” is what I was thinking of when I named the blog, along with the interconnectedness of all of life. We are all part of this Universe together, and we must strive to treat each other with loving kindness. Our lives are full of cycles, and in many ways we depend upon each other to get through the trying times, and to celebrate the happy times. You can see the knot’s traditional design, rendered in gold, at the top of the page. If you’re wondering about the other seven of the Auspicious Symbols, here ya go:

• The Parasol
• The Two Golden Fish
• The Great Treasure Vase
• The Lotus Blossom
• The Right-Turning Conch Shell
• The Banner of Victory
• The Wheel of Dharma

You can read up on their meanings at A View on Buddhism, which is an excellent site for new Buddhists, and people who just want to have a little more knowledge of Buddhism for whatever reason. I will mention one of the others though, and that is the Lotus. A lotus is very much like a water lily, and its roots lie in the mud at the bottom of ponds where it is found. The stem that holds the blossom grows up through the water, lifting the blossom high above the mud below. This reminds us that we can rise above the confusion and suffering of our lives, and like the Buddha, become enlightened and reach blissful Nirvana. The lotus is a wonderful symbol (maybe I should have called the blog something with “lotus” in the name). I decided to go do some research on lotuses, and I found that one kind of lotus is native to the eastern US. It's very much like the one in the image, except it is a pale yellow. It’s called Nelumbo lutea. The beautiful pink lotus of India and Asia is Nelumbo nucifera. Both lotuses will grow wonderfully in most parts of the United States, and can be grown in water gardens, and even half whiskey barrels. Though fall is practically here, I’m thinking that it might be nice to try to grow a lotus or two. I suppose it’s a good thing its too late in the season to try it now — it will force me to learn good cultivation, and make good plans that will have a better chance of being successful. If it works, I’ll post pictures!