lotus

Everyday

1. A lotus is a water plant with large round leaves and big pink or white flowers that rise above the water in ponds and lakes, mostly in Asia. tree →
2. In some religions, especially Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus is a holy symbol of purity, because it grows clean and beautiful out of mud. tree →
3. The «lotus position» is a way of sitting cross-legged with each foot on the opposite thigh, used in yoga and meditation. tree →
4. In old Greek stories, the lotus was a magic fruit that made people forget home. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, the lotus is a water plant whose leaves repel water (the «lotus effect»), which inspires self-cleaning materials. In RE lessons, Hindus and Buddhists see the lotus as a symbol; pictures of the Buddha often show him sitting on a lotus. In PE and calm lessons, the lotus position is a yoga pose. Phrases: «lotus flower», «lotus position», «lotus effect».

Examples

• A pink lotus floated on the pond. tree →
• Water rolls off lotus leaves in little balls. tree →
• Buddhists see the lotus as a sign of purity. tree →
• In yoga, we tried to sit in the lotus position. tree →
• The lotus grows in mud but its flower is clean. tree →
• In the old tale, sailors ate the lotus and forgot to go home. tree →
• The dishes were crystallized lotus leaves and flowers, and the chopsticks were of the rarest ebony. tree →

Note

Countable; plural lotuses. The lotus is different from the water lily, though they look similar. Pronounced LOH-tus.

In Jewish tradition

In Job it is a shade tree or plant that grows in marshy water. It is where the behemoth rests.

Interpretation. The behemoth is a huge creature that shows God's power. Tradition sees the lotus-shaded marsh as part of God's wonderful creation.

Examples

• He lieth under the lotus-trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. (Writings JOB.40.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• The lotus-trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about. (Writings JOB.40.22, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable; plural lotuses. The lotus is different from the water lily, though they look similar. Pronounced LOH-tus.