Hi,
Occasionally the lotus tubers from Asian markets will grow into healthy plants, but there are a few things that may cause a problem: 1) they may be treated in some way to prevent growth, or 2) the tubers will be cut so as to prevent growth. (When planting from tubers, you need at least two good segments, with three giving the best rate of success.)

If you want to try it, the best time of year to get fresh tubers is during the off-season, usually just before the Chinese New Year.

You might also like to try growing from seed, which has a better success rate.
Good luck!
Aquatically Yours,
Paula Biles
The Lotus: Know It and Grow It

Here is a link that might be useful: AboutTheLotus.com