Bodhi is a tree of enlightenment that is sacred in several religions at once. These are religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In many corners of the globe this plant is honored, considering it one of the most important symbols of peace and tranquility.
And the name came, in fact, from Buddhism, since Buddha Gautama, having gone through the torment that lasted 7 weeks, as a result, reached enlightenment under this tree. Also, legends say that in labor pains, his mother held onto the branches of this plant with her hands.
Bodhi Tree: Description and History
It has several traditional modern as well as ancient names. Religious texts in Sanskrit contain references to the Asvattha tree, while in Pali they refer to the Rukkha plant. In Hindi, the name Pipal is most often used. In Russian - this tree is called "Sacred Ficus." Its modern name in Sinhala (the language of the indigenous inhabitants of Sri Lanka) is Bo-tree, and in English - Sacred fig. And, in general, its biological name used in scientific directories is Ficus religiosa.
For Buddhists, Bodhi is a tree that is very important in cult rituals, and its wood, in their opinion, has healing properties. Under it, they traditionally meditate. This has come into practice since ancient times, because according to legend, it was under the arches of this tree that Buddha Gautama meditated.
Gautama Buddha and Bodhi Tree
First of all, it should be noted that the history of the birth of the Buddha is now shrouded in mystery. Opinions and assumptions about where and when he was born - a great many. One version says that the birthplace of the founder of Buddhism is Lumbini. This is relatively reliable information. But scientists did not succeed in pinpointing the time of birth. The following intervals are supposedly indicated: 380 - 350 years. BC.
The Buddha tree is not in vain called the tree of enlightenment, because it was under his canopy that Gautama received the final answer to the question about his destiny. According to legend, from birth he felt that unprecedented and supernatural strength and energy lived inside, but he did not have confidence in this. Gautama decided to test his assumption and went to the Bodhi tree. Before starting the prayer, Gautama walked around the Bodhi tree 3 times, and then sat down on the ground under its arches. Having made a vow, he began to meditate. And here suddenly torment and suffering began, after passing through which Buddha Gautama became convinced of his destiny.
Trials under the Holy Tree
In the first test, Gautama was to repel the attacks of demons, which reminded him of people who had met earlier on his life path. Buddha radiated a bright sacred halo, and therefore, reaching it, arrows and stones miraculously turned into beautiful flowers that quietly fell to the ground.
But that was only the beginning. To tempt Gautama, the daughters of Mara were sent to him, but even then he could survive and did not succumb to the temptation.
While meditating, Buddha spent 7 weeks under the tree, after which an incredible storm began, unprecedented in these parts. But Gautama was able to pass this test, even without moving. He wore only a thin robe, and from the strongest stream of rain he was sheltered by the King-Serpent - Mukalind. After 7 days, the storm abated, and Mara descended to the Buddha. He wanted to take him to another world, but he said that before leaving he needed to leave his students after him in order to pass on his valuable gift, and only after that leave.
Tree of Enlightenment in Buddhism
Bodhi is a tree under which one can mentally approach the essence of Buddhism. Its powerful branches harbor believers meditating beneath it, saving from heat and giving peace. Many sacred paintings and sculptures depict the Buddha precisely under the arches of the sacred tree.
In those parts of the world where this religion is prevalent, trees are given great importance. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world come to the sacred trees in order to bow to them and make their cherished desires.
Is there a Buddha tree in Russia?
The followers of Buddhism can now grow the sacred Bodhi tree in their own countries. Seeds can be purchased at various online stores or directly at the places where these trees grow.
On the territory of our country, a sacred instance is only in Buryatia, or rather, it is located on the territory of the Ivolginsky datsan. There is a special greenhouse in which the tree grows. The story of his appearance in this region is connected with the name of Hambo Lama Dorzhi Gomboev - in 1970 he brought from India a small sprout from which the Buddha (Bodhi) tree later grew.
This is not only a place of worship of Buddhists, but also one of the main attractions of this area. Its structure is very interesting: the plant releases roots not only underground, but also from the aboveground part of the trunk, thus forming intricate intricacies. Gradually aging aerial roots dry out, replaced by new ones.
It is known that the main attribute for meditation is the rosary. Bodhi tree, or rather its seeds, are the material for making rosaries. Using them, it is easy to achieve a higher concentration in order to get closer to the shrines of Buddhism.
Jewelry with the image of this tree is also very popular. For example, a ring, earrings or a pendant with a Bodhi tree.
Mahabodhi Tree
The tree under which Buddha Gautama meditated for a long 7 weeks is called the Mahabodhi Tree. It, along with Vajrasana, is the most revered shrine for Buddhists of the whole planet. Vajrasana, in fact, is a stone slab located under the arches of a tree at the site of Gautama's enlightenment. This was subsequently called the relaxation pose, otherwise referred to as the “diamond throne”.
The location of Mahabodhi is the western side of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya (India, Bihar). Its height is almost 80 m, and its age reaches 120 years.
Sacred Tree in Sri Lanka
According to legend, a direct descendant of the holy Bodhi is a tree planted in Sri Lanka.
According to historical traditions, there are two versions of how a seedling from the first tree got to Sri Lanka. According to the first of them, he was brought there by one of the daughters of the Indian king Ashoka in the 2nd century BC. e. And then, when the plant in Bodhgaya died of old age, the branch of a daughter tree growing in Sri Lanka was brought back to its original location. Thus, the shrine was restored.
According to another legend, the sapling was brought by his beloved student and relative of Gautama - Ananda.
Bit of botany
The sacred Bodhi tree described in this article belongs to the Ficus family and the Tutov family. It is an evergreen tree native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and southwestern China.
A characteristic feature is the presence of strong gray-brown branches and heart-shaped leaves, the size of which varies from 8 to 12 cm. The leaves have smooth edges and a long drip tip. An inflorescence is a bowler that gives an inedible purple fruit.
Relatives of Bodhi are both figs, rubber ficus, and banyan trees.
In general, ficuses can begin their life in two different ways. From a seed that sprouts in the ground or from a branch of a support tree. The second method is called epiphytic.
The philosophy of Buddhism
The main symbol of this religion is precisely Bodhi (tree). The philosophy of Buddhism is based on the enlightenment that Gautama received under the mysterious arches of the sacred plant.
Buddhism is not even a religion, but rather a worldview that every year has more and more followers. This is not only faith, but a set of principles of life relating to all spheres of human existence: family, work, political and economic life. This trend was formed much earlier than Islam (for 1000 years). And even though for many millennia this teaching has been overgrown with secrets, traditions and mystical riddles - its followers honor all sacred facts, striving for the most profound comprehension of this philosophy and enlightenment.