User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 547 - Peace from Shadows/@comment-5551986-20130906161221/@comment-5657895-20130909195405

He seems to be praying at some kind of altar. The lotus is a symbol of Buddhism and that looked a statue standing atop the lotus. Ukitake seemed naked, from the waist up at least, so it seemed to be a kind of healing ritual. Can't wait to see him kick some ass.