Submitted by TraMi Nguyen The pond water below is dark, mysterious, and muddy. At first glance, the pungent odours radiating from the body of water and the unsightly appearance makes it appear desolate. Mosquito larvae cluster on the water’s surface, and the occasional tadpole disrupts the stagnant water. Below the dark abyss, the Nelumbo nucifera roots are deeply embedded in the mud floor, and a flexible stem stretches towards the barely visible water surface.  This peculiar flora, more commonly known as the lotus, is an ancient flower that blooms only in the morning, petal by petal.  The lotus’ significance and versatility is seen in an array of Asian cultures. Tracing…