In Buddhism, four flowers are considered auspicious: the mandala flower, lotus, magnolia, and udumbara. Among them, the lotus—rising pure and unstained from the mud—symbolizes the innate purity of Buddha-nature. These flowers are commonly depicted in temples, Buddhist scriptures, and religious art.

Lotus imagery permeates Buddhist temples. In the Mahavira Hall, the Buddha is seated on a lotus throne, with serene features and downcast, lotus-shaped eyes. Amitābha Buddha, Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), and Mahāsthāmaprāpta of the Western Paradise are likewise portrayed seated upon lotus blossoms. Other bodhisattvas may hold lotus flowers, stand upon them, form lotus-inspired hand gestures, or scatter lotus symbols toward the human realm. Lotus patterns are also intricately carved, painted, or embroidered on temple walls, ceilings, railings, altars, tables, incense pouches, and prayer cushions.

Buddhist texts describe Queen Māyā, the mother of Śākyamuni, as having eyes as bright and beautiful as lotus flowers. At the birth of Prince Siddhartha, eight auspicious signs appeared in the royal garden, including a giant white lotus blooming in a pond. Buddhism teaches: "When the flower blooms, one sees Buddha-nature". Here, the lotus represents the flower itself, and its blossoming symbolizes the attainment of wisdom. In other words, cultivating a lotus-like state of mind allows one's Buddha-nature to manifest.