The lotus

The lotus flower grows from the mud found at the bottom of the lake, yet it rises above the water and blossoms toward the sun. Thus, the lotus flower is often used in Sanskrit literature as an example of something that is born amidst the dirt, and rises above it while retaining its beautiful purity. The beauty of the lotus leaf is that, although the lotus owes its birth, growth, and sustenance to the water, the leaf does not permit itself to be wet. Water poured on the lotus leaf runs off the side, due to the small hair growing on its surface.

With the help of the beautiful analogy of the lotus leaf, Lord Krishna says that just as it floats atop the surface of the lake, but does not allow itself to be wet by the water, similarly, the karm yogis remain untouched by sin, although performing all kinds of duties, because they perform their works in divine consciousness.