Source: Song Zhou Dunyi's On Ailian.
Selected passages:
Love the lotus flower alone, never touch the mud, make the ripples clear but not evil, communicate directly, and never crawl. The fragrance is far away and clear, graceful and pure, so you can watch it from a distance without playing. The fragrance is more fragrant and stands clean in the water. People can look at (lotus) from a distance, but they can't play with it easily.
Translation:
I only love that the lotus grows from the accumulated silt and is not polluted, but it doesn't look enchanting after being washed with clear water. (Its stem) goes straight through the middle, without vines and branches.
Extended data:
The author praises the lotus flower for "emerging from the mud without staining, being clear without flattery", which symbolizes living in a secular society, not being polluted by secular filth and maintaining a noble character. "Straight from the outside, not loose" symbolizes the inner understanding, the appearance of integrity and fairness, not excessive growth, not hiding, intelligent and upright character.
The author also uses the seclusion of chrysanthemum and the wealth of peony to set off the gentleman character of lotus. It does not pursue fame and wealth, nor does it escape seclusion, but is rooted in reality. It is a saint in real life, and with its elegant moral demeanor, it guides people to get rid of vulgarity and evil, and tends to perfection.