In his description of his pilgrimage, the monk Faxian (or Fahian) frequently speaks of the use of incense and flowers in Buddhist worship, and these elements symbolize the divine odor and enlightenment. Let's look at this in more detail.

In Faxian's writings, we read about the king scattering flowers and burning incense before the statue of Buddha and of other people offering flowers and incense at the temple. Flowers decorate the statue of Buddha also.

First off, these flowers and incense (or perfumes as some translations say) are offerings to Buddha. As such, they symbolize the best that people have to bring, the most beautiful and fragrant things they can offer. Faxian explains that they honor the dignity of Buddha in these offerings.

Furthermore, flowers and incense take on a greater symbolism in Buddhism. A flower, especially the lotus, is a symbol of the enlightenment that all Buddhists seek to achieve. By offering the lotus to Buddha, the people are asking for that enlightenment and expressing their commitment to seeking it. The lotus may also be a symbol of good fortune because it is both beautiful and resilient. Incense is considered a divine odor that attracts the presences of Buddhist gods. Burning incense allows people to create a sacred space where they can encounter divinity.