A symbol of radiant intelligence and illumination, the blue lotus (nymphaea caerulea) is known for its mystical attributes. Many cultures revere it for its purity and consider it a symbol of Enlightenment and resurrection. Egyptians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists all find the lotus appearing in important pieces of art. In Egypt, monuments, papyrus scrolls, pillars, and thrones feature a picture of the flower and honor Ra, the bringer of light. In Buddhism, the blue lotus symbolizes the victory of spirit over the senses, and the triumph of wisdom over suffering. In India, the flower represents the individual’s unfoldment and the soul’s expansion.