Difference between revisions of "Bodhi tree."
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<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | The '''[[Bodhi Tree]]''', also known as Bo (from the Sinhalese Bo)and 'peepal [[tree]]' in [[Nepal]] and [[Bhutan]], was a large and very old [[Sacred]] Fig [[tree]] ([[Ficus religiosa]]) located in [[Bodh Gaya]] (about 100 km (62 mi) from [[Patna]] in the [[Indian]] state of {{Wiki|Bihar}}), under which [[Siddhartha]] [[Gautama]], the [[spiritual]] [[teacher]] later known as [[Gautama]] [[Buddha]], is said to have achieved [[enlightenment]], or [[Bodhi]]. In [[religious]] {{Wiki|iconography}}, the [[Bodhi tree]] is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed. [[Bodhi trees]] are planted in close proximity to every [[Buddhist]] [[monastery]]. | + | The '''[[Bodhi Tree]]''', also known as Bo (from the [[Sinhalese]] Bo)and 'peepal [[tree]]' in [[Nepal]] and [[Bhutan]], was a large and very old [[Sacred]] Fig [[tree]] ([[Ficus religiosa]]) located in [[Bodh Gaya]] (about 100 km (62 mi) from [[Patna]] in the [[Indian]] [[state]] of {{Wiki|Bihar}}), under which [[Siddhartha]] [[Gautama]], the [[spiritual]] [[teacher]] later known as [[Gautama]] [[Buddha]], is said to have achieved [[enlightenment]], or [[Bodhi]]. In [[religious]] {{Wiki|iconography}}, the [[Bodhi tree]] is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed. [[Bodhi trees]] are planted in close proximity to every [[Buddhist]] [[monastery]]. |
| − | The term "[[Bodhi Tree]]" is also widely applied to currently [[existing]] [[trees]], particularly the [[Sacred]] Fig growing at the [[Mahabodhi Temple]] in [[Bodh Gaya]], which is a direct descendant planted in 288 BC from the original specimen. This [[tree]] is a frequent destination for [[pilgrims]], [[being]] the most important of the four main [[Buddhist]] [[pilgrimage]] sites. Other holy [[Bodhi trees]] which have a great significance in the {{Wiki|history}} of [[Buddhism]] are the [[Ananda]] [[bodhi tree]] in [[Sravasti]] and the [[Bodhi tree]] in [[Anuradhapura]], [[Sri Lanka]]. Both are believed to have been propagated from the original [[Bodhi tree]]. | + | The term "[[Bodhi Tree]]" is also widely applied to currently [[existing]] [[trees]], particularly the [[Sacred]] Fig growing at the [[Mahabodhi Temple]] in [[Bodh Gaya]], which is a direct descendant planted in 288 BC from the original specimen. This [[tree]] is a frequent destination for [[pilgrims]], [[being]] the most important of the four main [[Buddhist]] [[pilgrimage]] sites. Other {{Wiki|holy}} [[Bodhi trees]] which have a great significance in the {{Wiki|history}} of [[Buddhism]] are the [[Ananda]] [[bodhi tree]] in [[Sravasti]] and the [[Bodhi tree]] in [[Anuradhapura]], [[Sri Lanka]]. Both are believed to have been propagated from the original [[Bodhi tree]]. |
| − | In [[Buddhist]] chronology | + | In [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|chronology}} |
'''[[Bodhi Day]]''' | '''[[Bodhi Day]]''' | ||
| − | On December 8, '''[[Bodhi Day]]''' is celebrated by [[Buddhists]], of which are from [[Japan]], [[Nepal]] and north of [[India]]. Those who follow the [[Dharma]] ([[Buddhism]]), greet each other by saying, “Budu saranai!” which translates to “May the [[peace]] of the [[Buddha]] be yours.” | + | On December 8, '''[[Bodhi Day]]''' is celebrated by [[Buddhists]], of which are from [[Japan]], [[Nepal]] and [[north]] of [[India]]. Those who follow the [[Dharma]] ([[Buddhism]]), greet each other by saying, “Budu saranai!” which translates to “May the [[peace]] of the [[Buddha]] be yours.” |
[[Bodh Gaya]] | [[Bodh Gaya]] | ||
| − | The [[Bodhi tree]] at the [[Mahabodhi Temple]] is called the [[Sri Maha Bodhi]]. According to [[Buddhist texts]] the [[Buddha]], after his [[Enlightenment]], spent a whole week in front of the [[tree]], standing with unblinking [[eyes]], gazing at it with [[gratitude]]. A [[shrine]], called Animisalocana [[cetiya]], was later erected on the spot where he stood. A British archaeologist planted a [[Bodhi tree]] in 1881 at [[Bodh Gaya]] after the previous one had [[died]] due to [[old age]]. | + | The [[Bodhi tree]] at the [[Mahabodhi Temple]] is called the [[Sri Maha Bodhi]]. According to [[Buddhist texts]] the [[Buddha]], after his [[Enlightenment]], spent a whole [[week]] in front of the [[tree]], [[standing]] with unblinking [[eyes]], gazing at it with [[gratitude]]. A [[shrine]], called Animisalocana [[cetiya]], was later erected on the spot where he stood. A [[British]] archaeologist planted a [[Bodhi tree]] in 1881 at [[Bodh Gaya]] after the previous one had [[died]] due to [[old age]]. |
[[File:0147.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:0147.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | The spot was used as a [[shrine]] even in the [[lifetime]] of the [[Buddha]]. [[King]] [[Asoka]] was most diligent in [[paying homage]] to the [[Bodhi tree]], and held a festival every year in its honour in the month of [[Kattika]]. His {{Wiki|queen}}, Tissarakkhā was jealous of the [[Tree]], and three years after she became {{Wiki|queen}} (i.e., in the nineteenth year of [[Asoka]]'s reign), she [[caused]] the [[tree]] to be killed by means of mandu thorns. The [[tree]], however, grew again, and a great [[monastery]] was attached to the [[Bodhimanda]] called the [[Bodhimanda Vihara]]. Among those present at the foundation of the [[Mahā Thūpa]] are mentioned thirty thousand [[monks]] from the [[Bodhimanda Vihara]], led by [[Cittagutta]]. | + | The spot was used as a [[shrine]] even in the [[lifetime]] of the [[Buddha]]. [[King]] [[Asoka]] was most diligent in [[paying homage]] to the [[Bodhi tree]], and held a {{Wiki|festival}} every year in its honour in the month of [[Kattika]]. His {{Wiki|queen}}, [[Tissarakkhā]] was [[jealous]] of the [[Tree]], and three years after she became {{Wiki|queen}} (i.e., in the nineteenth year of [[Asoka]]'s reign), she [[caused]] the [[tree]] to be killed by means of mandu thorns. The [[tree]], however, grew again, and a great [[monastery]] was [[attached]] to the [[Bodhimanda]] called the [[Bodhimanda Vihara]]. Among those {{Wiki|present}} at the foundation of the [[Mahā Thūpa]] are mentioned thirty thousand [[monks]] from the [[Bodhimanda Vihara]], led by [[Cittagutta]]. |
The [[tree]] was again cut down by [[King]] [[Pusyamitra Sunga]] in the 2nd century BC, and by [[King]] Shashanka in 600 AD. Every [[time]] the [[tree]] was destroyed, a new [[tree]] was planted at the same place. | The [[tree]] was again cut down by [[King]] [[Pusyamitra Sunga]] in the 2nd century BC, and by [[King]] Shashanka in 600 AD. Every [[time]] the [[tree]] was destroyed, a new [[tree]] was planted at the same place. | ||
To [[Jetavana]], [[Sravasti]] | To [[Jetavana]], [[Sravasti]] | ||
| − | [[Buddhist]] recounts that while the [[Buddha]] was yet alive, in [[order]] that [[people]] might make their [[offerings]] in the name of the [[Buddha]] when he was away on [[pilgrimage]], he sanctioned the planting of a seed from the [[Bodhi tree]] in [[Bodhgaya]] in front of the gateway of [[Jetavana]] [[Monastery]] near [[Sravasti]]. For this purpose [[Moggallana]] took a [[fruit]] from the [[tree]] as it dropped from its stalk, before it reached the ground. It was planted in a golden jar by [[Anathapindika]] with great pomp and ceremony. A sapling immediately sprouted forth, fifty cubits high, and in [[order]] to consecrate it the [[Buddha]] spent one night under it, rapt in [[meditation]]. This [[tree]], because it was planted under the [[direction]] of [[Ananda]], came to be known as the [[Ananda Bodhi]]. | + | [[Buddhist]] recounts that while the [[Buddha]] was yet alive, in [[order]] that [[people]] might make their [[offerings]] in the [[name]] of the [[Buddha]] when he was away on [[pilgrimage]], he sanctioned the planting of a seed from the [[Bodhi tree]] in [[Bodhgaya]] in front of the gateway of [[Jetavana]] [[Monastery]] near [[Sravasti]]. For this {{Wiki|purpose}} [[Moggallana]] took a [[fruit]] from the [[tree]] as it dropped from its stalk, before it reached the ground. It was planted in a golden jar by [[Anathapindika]] with great pomp and {{Wiki|ceremony}}. A sapling immediately sprouted forth, fifty {{Wiki|cubits}} high, and in [[order]] to [[consecrate]] it the [[Buddha]] spent one night under it, rapt in [[meditation]]. This [[tree]], because it was planted under the [[direction]] of [[Ananda]], came to be known as the [[Ananda Bodhi]]. |
To [[Anuradhapura]], [[Sri Lanka]] | To [[Anuradhapura]], [[Sri Lanka]] | ||
| − | [[King]] [[Asoka]]’s daughter, the [[nun]] [[Sanghamitta]], brought a piece of the [[tree]] with her to [[Sri Lanka]] where it is continuously growing until this day in the island’s ancient capital, [[Anuradhapura]]. The [[Bodhi tree]] that is growing in [[Sri Lanka]] to this day was originally named [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi]], and was a piece of another [[Bodhi tree]] planted in the year 245 B.C. Although the original [[Bodhi tree]] deteriorated and [[died]] of [[old age]], the descendants of the branch that was brought by [[Emperor]] [[Ashoka]]’s son, [[Mahinda]] and his daughter, [[Sanghmitta]], can still be found on the island. | + | [[King]] [[Asoka]]’s daughter, the [[nun]] [[Sanghamitta]], brought a piece of the [[tree]] with her to [[Sri Lanka]] where it is continuously growing until this day in the island’s [[ancient]] capital, [[Anuradhapura]]. The [[Bodhi tree]] that is growing in [[Sri Lanka]] to this day was originally named [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi]], and was a piece of another [[Bodhi tree]] planted in the year 245 B.C. Although the original [[Bodhi tree]] deteriorated and [[died]] of [[old age]], the descendants of the branch that was brought by [[Emperor]] [[Ashoka]]’s son, [[Mahinda]] and his daughter, [[Sanghmitta]], can still be found on the [[island]]. |
| − | According to the [[Mahavamsa]], the [[Sri Maha Bodhi]] in [[Sri Lanka]] was planted in 288 BC, making it the oldest verified specimen of any angiosperm. In this year (the twelfth year of [[King]] [[Asoka]]'s reign) the right branch of the [[Bodhi tree]] was brought by [[Sanghamittā]] to [[Anurādhapura]] and placed by [[Devānāmpiyatissa]] his left foot in the [[Mahāmeghavana]]. The [[Buddha]], on his [[death]] bed, had resolved five things, one [[being]] that the branch which should be taken to [[Ceylon]] should detach itself. From [[Gayā]], the branch was taken to [[Pātaliputta]], thence to [[Tāmalittī]], where it was placed in a ship and taken to [[Jambukola]], across the sea; finally it arrived at [[Anuradhapura]], staying on the way at [[Tivakka]]. Those who assisted the [[king]] at the ceremony of the planting of the [[Tree]] were the nobles of [[Kājaragāma]] and of [[Candanagāma]] and of [[Tivakka]]. | + | According to the [[Mahavamsa]], the [[Sri Maha Bodhi]] in [[Sri Lanka]] was planted in 288 BC, making it the oldest verified specimen of any angiosperm. In this year (the twelfth year of [[King]] [[Asoka]]'s reign) the right branch of the [[Bodhi tree]] was brought by [[Sanghamittā]] to [[Anurādhapura]] and placed by [[Devānāmpiyatissa]] his left foot in the [[Mahāmeghavana]]. The [[Buddha]], on his [[death]] bed, had resolved five things, one [[being]] that the branch which should be taken to [[Ceylon]] should detach itself. From [[Gayā]], the branch was taken to [[Pātaliputta]], thence to [[Tāmalittī]], where it was placed in a ship and taken to [[Jambukola]], across the sea; finally it arrived at [[Anuradhapura]], staying on the way at [[Tivakka]]. Those who assisted the [[king]] at the {{Wiki|ceremony}} of the planting of the [[Tree]] were the [[nobles]] of [[Kājaragāma]] and of [[Candanagāma]] and of [[Tivakka]]. |
| − | The [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodh]]i is also known to be the most [[sacred]] [[Bodhi tree]]. This came upon the [[Buddhists]] who performed [[rites]] and [[rituals]] near the [[Bodhi tree]]. The [[Bodhi tree]] was known to [[cause]] rain and heal the ill. When an {{Wiki|individual}} became ill, one of his or her relatives would visit the [[Bodhi tree]] to [[water]] it seven times for seven days and to [[vow]] on his or her behalf of the sick for a speedy recovery. | + | The [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodh]]i is also known to be the most [[sacred]] [[Bodhi tree]]. This came upon the [[Buddhists]] who performed [[rites]] and [[rituals]] near the [[Bodhi tree]]. The [[Bodhi tree]] was known to [[cause]] [[rain]] and heal the ill. When an {{Wiki|individual}} became ill, one of his or her relatives would visit the [[Bodhi tree]] to [[water]] it seven times for seven days and to [[vow]] on his or her behalf of the sick for a speedy recovery. |
| − | To Honolulu, Hawai'i | + | To [[Honolulu]], [[Hawai'i]] |
| − | In 1913, [[Anagarika Dharmapala]] took a sapling of the [[Sri Maha Bodhi]] to Hawai'i, where he presented it to his benefactor, Mary Foster – who had funded much [[Buddhist]] missionary work. She planted it in the grounds of her house in Honolulu, by the Nu'uanu stream. On her [[death]] she left her house and its grounds to the [[people]] of Honolulu, and it became the Foster Botanical Garden. | + | In 1913, [[Anagarika Dharmapala]] took a sapling of the [[Sri Maha Bodhi]] to [[Hawai'i]], where he presented it to his benefactor, Mary Foster – who had funded much [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|missionary}} work. She planted it in the grounds of her house in [[Honolulu]], by the Nu'uanu {{Wiki|stream}}. On her [[death]] she left her house and its grounds to the [[people]] of [[Honolulu]], and it became the Foster Botanical [[Garden]]. |
The [[trees]] of previous [[Buddhas]] | The [[trees]] of previous [[Buddhas]] | ||
| − | According to the [[Mahavamsa]], branches from the [[Bodhi trees]] of all the [[Buddhas]] born during this [[kalpa]] were planted in [[Ceylon]] ([[Sri Lanka]]) on the spot where the [[sacred]] [[Bodhi tree]] stands today in [[Anurādhapura]]. The branch of [[Kakusandha]]'s [[tree]] was brought by a [[nun]] called [[Rucānandā]], [[Konagamana]]'s by [[Kantakānandā]] (or [[Kanakadattā]]), and Kassapa's by Sudhammā. | + | According to the [[Mahavamsa]], branches from the [[Bodhi trees]] of all the [[Buddhas]] born during this [[kalpa]] were planted in [[Ceylon]] ([[Sri Lanka]]) on the spot where the [[sacred]] [[Bodhi tree]] stands today in [[Anurādhapura]]. The branch of [[Kakusandha]]'s [[tree]] was brought by a [[nun]] called [[Rucānandā]], [[Konagamana]]'s by [[Kantakānandā]] (or [[Kanakadattā]]), and [[Kassapa's]] by [[Sudhammā]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Bodhi Tree]] | [[Category:Bodhi Tree]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:50, 6 January 2024
The Bodhi Tree, also known as Bo (from the Sinhalese Bo)and 'peepal tree' in Nepal and Bhutan, was a large and very old Sacred Fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Gaya (about 100 km (62 mi) from Patna in the Indian state of Bihar), under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher later known as Gautama Buddha, is said to have achieved enlightenment, or Bodhi. In religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed. Bodhi trees are planted in close proximity to every Buddhist monastery.
The term "Bodhi Tree" is also widely applied to currently existing trees, particularly the Sacred Fig growing at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, which is a direct descendant planted in 288 BC from the original specimen. This tree is a frequent destination for pilgrims, being the most important of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Other holy Bodhi trees which have a great significance in the history of Buddhism are the Ananda bodhi tree in Sravasti and the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Both are believed to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree.
In Buddhist chronology
Bodhi Day
On December 8, Bodhi Day is celebrated by Buddhists, of which are from Japan, Nepal and north of India. Those who follow the Dharma (Buddhism), greet each other by saying, “Budu saranai!” which translates to “May the peace of the Buddha be yours.”
Bodh Gaya
The Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple is called the Sri Maha Bodhi. According to Buddhist texts the Buddha, after his Enlightenment, spent a whole week in front of the tree, standing with unblinking eyes, gazing at it with gratitude. A shrine, called Animisalocana cetiya, was later erected on the spot where he stood. A British archaeologist planted a Bodhi tree in 1881 at Bodh Gaya after the previous one had died due to old age.
The spot was used as a shrine even in the lifetime of the Buddha. King Asoka was most diligent in paying homage to the Bodhi tree, and held a festival every year in its honour in the month of Kattika. His queen, Tissarakkhā was jealous of the Tree, and three years after she became queen (i.e., in the nineteenth year of Asoka's reign), she caused the tree to be killed by means of mandu thorns. The tree, however, grew again, and a great monastery was attached to the Bodhimanda called the Bodhimanda Vihara. Among those present at the foundation of the Mahā Thūpa are mentioned thirty thousand monks from the Bodhimanda Vihara, led by Cittagutta.
The tree was again cut down by King Pusyamitra Sunga in the 2nd century BC, and by King Shashanka in 600 AD. Every time the tree was destroyed, a new tree was planted at the same place.
To Jetavana, Sravasti
Buddhist recounts that while the Buddha was yet alive, in order that people might make their offerings in the name of the Buddha when he was away on pilgrimage, he sanctioned the planting of a seed from the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya in front of the gateway of Jetavana Monastery near Sravasti. For this purpose Moggallana took a fruit from the tree as it dropped from its stalk, before it reached the ground. It was planted in a golden jar by Anathapindika with great pomp and ceremony. A sapling immediately sprouted forth, fifty cubits high, and in order to consecrate it the Buddha spent one night under it, rapt in meditation. This tree, because it was planted under the direction of Ananda, came to be known as the Ananda Bodhi.
To Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
King Asoka’s daughter, the nun Sanghamitta, brought a piece of the tree with her to Sri Lanka where it is continuously growing until this day in the island’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura. The Bodhi tree that is growing in Sri Lanka to this day was originally named Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, and was a piece of another Bodhi tree planted in the year 245 B.C. Although the original Bodhi tree deteriorated and died of old age, the descendants of the branch that was brought by Emperor Ashoka’s son, Mahinda and his daughter, Sanghmitta, can still be found on the island.
According to the Mahavamsa, the Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka was planted in 288 BC, making it the oldest verified specimen of any angiosperm. In this year (the twelfth year of King Asoka's reign) the right branch of the Bodhi tree was brought by Sanghamittā to Anurādhapura and placed by Devānāmpiyatissa his left foot in the Mahāmeghavana. The Buddha, on his death bed, had resolved five things, one being that the branch which should be taken to Ceylon should detach itself. From Gayā, the branch was taken to Pātaliputta, thence to Tāmalittī, where it was placed in a ship and taken to Jambukola, across the sea; finally it arrived at Anuradhapura, staying on the way at Tivakka. Those who assisted the king at the ceremony of the planting of the Tree were the nobles of Kājaragāma and of Candanagāma and of Tivakka.
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is also known to be the most sacred Bodhi tree. This came upon the Buddhists who performed rites and rituals near the Bodhi tree. The Bodhi tree was known to cause rain and heal the ill. When an individual became ill, one of his or her relatives would visit the Bodhi tree to water it seven times for seven days and to vow on his or her behalf of the sick for a speedy recovery.
To Honolulu, Hawai'i
In 1913, Anagarika Dharmapala took a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi to Hawai'i, where he presented it to his benefactor, Mary Foster – who had funded much Buddhist missionary work. She planted it in the grounds of her house in Honolulu, by the Nu'uanu stream. On her death she left her house and its grounds to the people of Honolulu, and it became the Foster Botanical Garden.
The trees of previous Buddhas
According to the Mahavamsa, branches from the Bodhi trees of all the Buddhas born during this kalpa were planted in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) on the spot where the sacred Bodhi tree stands today in Anurādhapura. The branch of Kakusandha's tree was brought by a nun called Rucānandā, Konagamana's by Kantakānandā (or Kanakadattā), and Kassapa's by Sudhammā.
