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This self-fertilising power has its seat within the flower. There, high above the muddy ground, above the water, the whole cycle of vegetation is accomplished. Within the pericarp is held the continuity from bud to fruit and again to the new, young plant; the beginning and the end and the new beginning once more. The centre of productivity and the cycle of generation reside above, in the flower. The earth below, the mud, is but the intermediate ground for the root. Productivity and generation above are one continuous process within the lotus flower.
As the dead leaf when its time is up falls from the tree to the ground,
so is the life of man.
Yogi and representation of various cakras, ink on paper, 19th century, Bihar Courtesy: Kalyana, Gita Press.
As the dewdrop that sways on a blade of grass
lasts but a moment, so is the life of man.
Surya, with broken hands and lotuses, 12th century, Konark
So cast away all attachments,
and be pure as a lotus, or as water in autumn.
- Mahăvira
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