Why do people think a lotus posture is required when meditating?

when that's the way a lot of Asians sit all the time, and Buddha just happened to be Asian.

Why do people think a lotus posture is required when meditating?
It's probably because of the influence of seeing it in movies and so on. Yes, you are right, many people DO sit like that on a regular basis. I don't think that it is required at all. A comfortable position is required, and for some, lotus isn't comfortable at all.
Reply:I'm Buddhist, and I sometime sit Lotus, sometimes not.

The point of meditation is to get your body to the point that you are so comfortable, you forget about it. Any position that allows you to sit comfortably and maintain that position for a long period of time without pain or discomfort is ideal for meditation.
Reply:It's not. One can meditate in any position - and the only true meditation consists of thinking about God and his word in the Bible (Psalms 63:6; 77:12; 119:27,48,78,148; 143:5; 145:5)
Reply:not really needed. whats important is the state of mind.
Reply:I am in Asia now and I can't sit that way... they must learn it young...
Reply:Great avatar, Alfred.