Om Mane Padme Hum, "Hail the Jewel is in the Lotus". This mystical phrase has its roots in Buddhism. Understanding it's meaning can help guide one on the path toward spiritual enlightenment. In Tantric Buddhism, "the jewel in the lotus" is a metaphor for the ecstatic sexual union of the male and female energies. The "jewel" represents the phallus, and is also refered to as the diamond, gem or the lightening bolt, the dynamic vehicle of the male energy. The Lotus symbolizes the cosmic yoni from which all life was created. It has been a strong female symbol in the East for thousands of years. The male jewel buried in the open flower of the female lotus is a powerful symbol of the union of contrasts; the relationships of light and darkness, fire and water, and creation and destruction. The "Jewel in the Lotus" is also the guiding light toward spiritual enlightenment. Everything we need to know, we already know Meditation leads us to the answer. In yoga, the attainment of the highest spirtual energy is symbolized by a lotus growing out of the crown of one's head. Our "Jewel in the Lotus" pendant incorporates several symbols to guide one on the spiritual path and heighten the awareness of one's sexual energies. At the center is the "Om" sign. "Om" is the supreme syllable and the mother of all sound. "Om" is the mantra matrika or, mother of all mantras, spoken by the Great Goddess to bring the world into being. The Goddess used sound to create all things by speaking their names in her magic language. Om is the pregnant belly of the Goddess, the symbol of maternal creation. Surrounding the "Om" is the lotus, the symbol of knowledege, the knowledge that leads one out of the path of reincarnation to Nirvana. Emerging from the lotus is an eight-pointed star, representing the eight-fold path of Buddhism. The path of "The Middle Way" discovered by the Buddha Gautama, which leads to nirvana and enlightenment. The eight-fold path encourages right views, right intention, right speech, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Wear our "Jewel in the Lotus" to help guide your inner journey and to share with others the gift of knowledge, sacred sexual energies, and an enlightened spirit! Makes a unique gift idea. Truly inspirational jewelry. Made of excelsior pewter. Copyright 1979-Today: PuzzleRingsbyPepi.com