Enlightenment and faithfulness

Perhaps symbolism is the nature of the post, with recent announced and unannounced changes underway I felt this was a very fitting project to work on and share.





The lotus has a special meaning for many, i.e. in buddhism

The first and most literal meaning is from the lotus ability to rise and bloom above the muddy to achieve enlightenment.

The second meaning, which is related to the first is purification. It resembles the purifying of the spirit which is born into murkiness.

The third meaning refers to faithfulness. Those who are working to rise above the muddy waters will need to be faithful followers.

The golden lotus that is mentioned in Buddhist sutras has two meanings, one is the symbol for the achievement of enlightenment and the other points towards a real flower which is beyond our normal perception.

Click to expand...

Once I was able to ascertain the meaning of the lotus things quickly became clear what I should do. The 22kt gold plating symbolizes reaching enlightenment or even botanical fully flowering. Watching the lotus flower bloom above the mud and be pristine is a very amazing sight to see. This is why I chose vintage red/orange ebonite as the base, to symbolize the mud, the suffering, the agony and other feats to overcome and in doing so makes us stronger. Orange is also a good contrast against the 22kt gold plating. Orange is also the new black.




Pared with the #6 Jowo nib in 2-tone further yields symbolism.



Lastly taken next to my vintage Parker Duofold Jr lucky curve circa 1929 to show color spread.






Pen kit courtesy Gary Pye Woodturning Supplies.

Cross posted Enlightenment and faithfulness - International Association of Penturners

Beautifully done, particularly like the use of the two tone nib to set it off. The symbolism would be rather lost on me without the explanation, but with it makes an interesting point. What is the kit by the way?

Lovely kit making a superb pen

A superb looking pen Ed !!

A great looking pen Ed

Dayacom sure went all out to produce a high range kit in this one called Lotus at a whisker under 80.00 AU plus the body blank and additional nib specs quite an investment. Garry Pye Woodturning is established on the Gold Coast of Eastern Australia Eds supplier of this blank.

Lotus flowers come in Blue, White, Purple , Pink and Red predominately each colour significant with an emphasis.

Ed your choice of the body ebonite colour you have related to a precious pen you have it has significance for you but not for me. The pen is for you specific.

A most beautiful clip.

I understand and respect significance by association in this the kit excells.

I am grateful for your showing this exceptional pen trust you enjoy it to the full. I have not found such a pen kit that does this for me and in my quest remain satisfied within my means.

Surely this is a landmark pen kit your sensitive turning is appreciated.

Peter.

I really like the design of the pen open and closed it does not post suits me as well.

That is a lovely kit with that ebonite for sure

A very nice looking pen and pen kit Ed, and thanks for the clear explanation of meaning .. Nice piece of Ebonite ..

Excellent photography but a bit to fancy for my taste.

Thank you Ed for your description on the meaning of lotus flower. As a chinese, this flower means alot to us especially in praying for peace for mankind.

Also your pen is beautifully done, especially the colour matching! It look like I have to get this pen kit too.