What is a Lotus Society?
In medieval China, as the popularity of recently imported Central Asian religions grew, grassroots spiritual movements loosely connected to the Buddhist and Taoist traditions began forming called lotus societies, or "people of the Way". The most notable of these is the White Lotus Society, a meditation group formed in the year 402 AD that was committed to transforming the world into a more peaceful place.
Since these groups did not align themselves with any official, state-sponsored monastery they were often denounced, and forced to operate as secret societies within the larger context of Chinese culture. Lotus societies would gather at members' homes or businesses at night to meditate or pray, and to discuss various community issues. They organized public works projects, such as building roads and bridges (as symbols of the Path and interconnectedness), and provided services for pilgrims and travelers, as well as the homeless and needy.
We wish to continue the tradition of these spiritual movements through our new community based meditation organization known as the Red Lotus Society. The red lotus flower is the Buddhist symbol for compassion, and represents our commitment to promoting peace through meditation. The Red Lotus Society currently gathers at the historic Ideal Hotel, located in the heart of Old Chinatown in downtown San Diego.
If you would like to become a member of the Red Lotus Society please visit us at RedLotusSociety.org
We look forward to meeting you! ..
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