Saraswati is symbolized by a beautiful woman with four hands, riding on a white swan among water lilies to tell humanity that science is like a beautiful woman. Her hands hold a palm leaf; a lontar, (a Balinese traditional book which is the source of science or knowledge); a chain with 108 pieces symbolizing that knowledge is never ending and has an everlasting life cycle; and a musical instrument ( wina) symbolizing that science develops through the growth of culture. The swans symbolize prudence, so that one's knowledge may distinguish between good and evil and the Lotus are symbols of holiness. [ Archives ]