Happy Juneteenth!

[Edited 06/01]

So in the midst of trying to work through some dharma-lensed self-analysis I went a little overboard (which is really not that unusual for me) and became a bit fixated on yellow lotus flowers. While trying to dismantle my emotions about my personal and collective “American” karma experiencing these times as a Buddhist of color and what that means when it comes to the nature of the world and the beings walking around on it, there was something about the pristine emergence of the lotus that felt comforting… then incredibly challenging.

“Just as the lotus does not grow on dry land, but only in the mud, so too the mind of awakening is born from the defilements of beings.” — Vimalakīrti Sutra, Chapter 3

To only bloom in the mud, huh…

Full transparency, I am not ever tryin’ to chill in any kind of mud, metaphorical or otherwise, unless it includes a manicure, facial, massage, and maybe some sort of antioxidant wrap. Soy un pocito princesa así. So my first reaction when it looks like a (metaphoric) mudslide is coming? Throw up double peace signs, yell a quick “Duces!”, and break out!

I’ve had a lot of violent karma ripen throughout my life. Consequently, I’ve developed heightened flight reflexes, but with degenerate times and these sutras being about how enlightenment only blooms in the defilements of beings, (defilements?! Really?!) … it just doesn’t feel like there’s anywhere to go—the defilements of our species—greed, hatred, and delusion—are running wild everywhere. And those places that seemed so safe are really only temporarily out of the fire. You just can’t outrun your karma. I checked… I tried.

Oversimplification time… I get that I wouldn’t have the karma to experience anything I didn’t create. I also get that nothing happens out of nowhere and that nothing is forever. The teachings on karma, dependent origination, and impermanence help so much when I’m trying to get to emptiness but all I’m feeling are powerful negative emotions arising. I don’t want to put more delusion into the world including apathy, resignation, disillusionment, anger, etc. and when it comes to having complete control over my mind, I, still being human, absolutely suck at it, but it’s still something that I am desperately trying to be mindful of, especially when it comes to creating imagery that has a spiritual basis. I am not trying to create harm. Ever. 

Disclaimer: I don’t fully understand pretty much anything yet, especially not the 3 Jewels. I definitely have the wish and I keep praying, meditating, and studying, but I can’t claim profound knowledge or qualifications. So, that’s not what this is. I’m just giving some background on the thought process behind the images I’m making because they are coming from trying to understand the teachings on the 3 Jewels and how I apply them on my wobbly path… context, that’s all. So, where was I?…

“Just as the lotus is not soiled by the mud in which it grows, so the bodhisattva is not defiled by the world, though he is born in it.” — Lotus Sutra, Chapter 15: Emerging from the Earth

That sounds awesome to me! To be untouched by the samsaric mierda that just keeps going around in circles?! I was all about finding comfort in that and sharing it, cause I know I’m not the only one that could use a little visual sana curita. So I did. I went all in on different styles and settings and expressions of yellow lotuses as a way to focus my mind on my practice and my real goals. Yellow Lotuses are indigenous to the Americas (as well) so I was drawn to them. I wanted an American connection. There was definitely a glossing over the mud part of it, though. 

I’ve sat in so many classes with different teachers from different traditions and religions all trying to convey that idea of not being fazed by this world/realm/dimension/reality/etc. and instead, using the experiences of this world to further your spiritual development. I have benefitted from practicing in this way many times, even if I didn’t like it… but there was always a part of me that was still like “Ai no, that sounds exhausting, could you just let me know how to avoid it all instead? What do I have to do figure out how to do that?” I know, I know. Bratty. I’m being honest though. 

Enlightenment arises through delusion… (it) sprouts in the mud…

Contemplating how the lotus is a symbol of the potential for all beings to rise above suffering to attain enlightenment, it makes sense that it’s the seat of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas when we draw them. It make sense that it symbolizes their divine origin and purity. I understood all of that theoretically. I’ve heard it for years. But to be in the defilements and choose to bloom for the sake of others (including the defile-ers!!!). I’ve heard it before, but I don’t think I truly HEARD it before. Maybe it’s because the defilements are everywhere. Maybe it’s just because I’m actually looking for ways to not be affected by everything. Maybe it’s just the times and the collective karma… a natural result of too much energy in the direction of chaos. I don’t know, but I heard it now.

Yeah, I 100% get why the Buddhas are so powerful. They propel their minds out of the “defilements of beings” (so gross) without ever succumbing to it AND they’re doing it for the sake of all living beings. I can’t watch the news or go on socials without having to get into a fight with my delusions. And I don’t always win. I get spiritual cantazos often. And there are soooo many living beings working so freakin’ hard to intentionally cause atrocities and horrors for the sake of nothing more than delusion. It’s horrifying.

Uh... Um… Bloom for the sake of all living beings?! Ooooooh this is a challenge!!! I am not skilled enough to bloom for everyone, right now. I know it. I can feel it. I’m not trying to spread delusion. This is where I really am. I’m on the path as of when I write this. I see the goal. I treasure compassion. The wish is there… But so is the overwhelming awareness that I just don’t have the skill yet. I can’t reach that perfect compassion from a space where I have to spend quite a bit of time dismantling the delusions and the feelings of betrayal I have with people I have treasured that I thought treasured me… no, that’s not quite right. It’s not just people (family and friends). It’s also faith in the collective and what we are willing to do to try to get away from the pain of our own dysfunction. The karma of this time boggles my mind. So I can’t pretend to share perfect compassion for all beings. I’m still breaking down my feels. But while contemplating this I realized that I can share what I do have… the wish.

Praying and Wishing

“Those who uphold virtue, generate compassion, and walk the path of wisdom are protected by the Buddhas and revered by the world.” – Avatamsaka Sutra

So, with my wish I made visual prayers to combine with my silent ones. And I prayed for the yellow lotus of wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment to bloom… everywhere! Especially for those that are having to deal with defilements being thrown at them from every direction. That those who are upholding virtue, generating compassion, and walking the path of wisdom find their path blessed and protected. That those that are in the throws of unmitigated delusion find cessation. That we can stop these minds of perpetual suffering and get out of the delusions that take us further and further from true freedom. 

I decided to share these prayers on Juneteenth cause it kinda feels like we’re all pretty deep in the defilements and I’m praying for liberation! Especially for those who have been suffering the most. It felt perfect to me. I want to pay homage to the tenacity, personal fortitude and unending patient wisdom necessary for freedom. I want to honor our collective past with prayers for the future. That’s what this collection of yellow lotuses turned into. A field of prayers for everything the lotus brings, for transformation on these lands, and liberation for the people on them. I hope you enjoy them.

May wisdom, compassion, and courage bloom. May we care for one another through the mud, and may we transform it—together. 

Love,
Taireina

 

The Collection

There’s more

 

 

© 2025 Taireina. All rights reserved. All images within the Field of Lotuses collection are original works by Taireina created with the assistance of AI. The combination of AI technology, creative input, and artistic curation constitutes a unique expression protected by copyright law. They may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in any form without written permission.

 

REFERENCES

1. Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra
Buddhist Text Translation Society. The Vimalakīrti Sutra. Translated by John R. McRae. Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, 2004.

2. Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra (The Lotus Sutra)
Watson, Burton, trans. The Lotus Sutra. New York: Columbia University Press, 1993.

3. Avataṃsaka Sūtra (Flower Garland Sutra)
Cleary, Thomas, trans. The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1993.