On Inle Lake, Myanmar, women pick the stems of the lotus flower to weave into textiles. These fibrous stems produce material that resembles silk and is much sought after for not only its beauty and durability, but also for the spiritual essence of the material. To local people of Inle Lake, lotus flowers symbolize spiritual purity and divinity. They believe that making and wearing this special fabric brings them luck and closer to spiritual enlightenment.
The vast tranquility of Inle Lake is found in the central Shan Hills region of Myanmar. Floating gardens, stilted houses, beautiful temples and ingenious fisherman create a unique beauty that draws an increasing number of tourists each year. The local Intha people reside directly on the lake, with a number of minority groups such as the Shan, Pa-O, Taung Yo, Danu, Kayah and Danaw occupying the hills of the surrounding area.
“The lotus flower blooms most beautifully from the deepest and thickest mud.”Buddhist Proverb