The Lotus: Symbolic Studies in Intercultural Communication

Abstract

This study is about studying the intercultural communication implications of the lotus flower. Intercultural communication is directly related to socio-cultural anthropology. Anthropologists argue that established fields of culture and communication generally refer to a process of exchanging information through a common system of symbols. The research questions were: What is the symbolic meaning of the lotus flower? And how does the lotus symbol relate to different cultural beliefs? The research objectives were to study the symbolic meaning of the lotus flower and to study the intercultural communication implications of the lotus flower. The methodology of the research was Qualitative methodology and studied primary and secondary sources related to cultural symbols. As primary sources, Robert Beer's The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhism Symbol (2003) and Ananda Kumaraswamy's Elements of Buddhist Iconography (1935) were studied. Articles, internet sources and books have been used as secondary sources. A research framework was developed to analyze the lotus symbol, covering the background and symbolic meaning according to different cultures. Symbols give people meaning and power. Researcher studied the symbolic meaning of Buddhist, Hindu, Egyptian, and Chinese cultures. Symbols convey not only representative meanings but also power. Symbols act as a bridge connecting two separate dimensions. The language of symbols is a visual, poetic language in which multiple layers of meaning and depth can be seen. It may vary from country to country. Cultural values and religious beliefs can be understood symbolically through intercultural communication.