The Lotus: analysis of the Intercultural communication implications

Abstract

This Study Analyzed, Intercultural communication implication of the lotus. Intercultural communication is directly related to socio-cultural anthropology, the holistic study of humanity. Anthropologists argue that culture and established areas of communication refer to the process of exchanging information, usually via a common system of symbols. Human beings have evolved a universal capacity to conceive of the world symbolically, to teach and learn such symbols socially, and to transform the world based on such symbols. Symbols try to convey something that belongs to the unconscious, the unchartered world, clearly to the conscious. Lotus has its roots in the dirt, and its stem grows out of the water surface. Objectives of this research were study the symbolic meaning of the lotus according to cultural and study the intercultural communication implications of the lotus flower. Methodology of the research was the study of primary and secondary sources related to cultural symbols. A research structure was formulated to enable an analysis of lotus symbol, covering background and symbolic meaning according to different culture. Because the lotus flower looks so clean and pure against the background of the dirty pond, it has been used to represent purity and beauty. The lotus is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. Color of a lotus conveys a particular meanings and it represent cosmic of harmony. Lots of Hindu Gods are sitting on a Lotus. Symbols deliver meanings and power to people. Symbols present not only the representative meanings but also the power within. Symbols play the role as a bridge that connects the two separate dimensions. In other words, symbols connect the unknown and known, and the conscious and unconscious. The language of symbols is a visual, poetic language with many layers of meanings and depth. It can be change by country to country. It inspires us to understand cultural values and beliefs by their own meaning of symbols through intercultural communication.