A Taste of Asia: The Lotus Flower

A lotus flower is a white or pink flower that grows, especially in Asia, on the surface of lakes. The shape of this flower was used formally in decorative patterns, especially in ancient Egyptian art.
In ancient Greek stories, a lotus is a fruit which, when eaten, caused the eater to feel pleasantly dreamy, forgetful and lazy. Lotus eater is a person who leads a lazy dreamy life and is not concerned with the business of the world (from the people in the Odyssey who behaved in this way after eating a fruit called a lotus).
Lotus position is the position in yoga in which you sit on the floor with your legs crossed and your hands on your knees, especially when you want to meditate.