Japan observes Bodhi Day on December 8, in accordance with the Western calendar.
A priest presents an offering at the Buddha statue located in the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, India. (AP)
Buddhists globally observe Bodhi Day, also known as Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, marking the moment over 2,600 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha.
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Japan marks its celebration on December 8, aligning with the Western calendar. Keep up-to-date with the latest news on HT Channel via Facebook. In East Asia, the holiday generally falls between the winter solstice and the lunar new year, as explained by Scott Mitchell, the dean of students at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley, California.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asian and Tibetan Buddhists observe Buddha’s enlightenment in May and June, respectively, according to Judith Simmer-Brown, professor emeritus of contemplative and religious studies at Naropa University in Colorado.
The profound event occurred after years of spiritual exploration and meditation. This journey included gaining insights into the fundamental nature of existence, such as the origins of human suffering, the cycle of birth and death (samsara), and the path to liberation (nirvana). Manuel Lopez, a professor of Buddhist Studies and Religion at New College of Florida, conveyed these insights via email.
Buddhism ranks as the world’s fourth-largest religion, following Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, with a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Not all Buddhists observe Bodhi Day, with its most prevalent celebrations occurring in East Asia’s Mahayana traditions, notably in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
In Japanese Zen Buddhist schools, the occasion is referred to as “Rohatsu,” denoting the 8th day of the 12th month. Alternatively, in some other schools, it is named Jodo-e.
In majority Buddhist nations like Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, Bodhi Day is integrated into Vesak Day, typically observed in May. Vesak Day honors the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, according to Lopez.
Although practices may differ, participants commonly engage in prayer and scripture reading. Some also adorn trees with vibrant lights or candles, symbolizing the enlightenment of Buddha, and partake in special family meals.
People practice acts of kindness and generosity, known as dana, to embody the teachings of Buddha and enhance their karma, according to Lopez. Some adhere to a diet of rice and milk, symbolic of the sustenance that supported Buddha during his quest for enlightenment, as explained by Tricycle, a Buddhism-oriented magazine catering to beginners.
The term “Bodhi” is derived from Sanskrit and Pali verbs meaning “to awaken” or “awakened,” commonly interpreted in Buddhism as “enlightenment.” Siddhartha Gautama, after years of seeking solutions to the problem of suffering, achieved enlightenment beneath a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya, a village in Bihar, India.
In the words of Philip Almond, emeritus professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at The University of Queensland in Australia, Gautama resolved not to rise until he comprehended the nature of suffering, its origin, cessation, and the path to its end. During a night of meditation under the Bodhi Tree, facing East, he gained direct insight into these aspects.
The Bodhi Tree, also known as the tree of awakening, is significant in Buddhism, with the ficus leaf becoming a symbol. Many Buddhists plant ficus trees, and Bodh Gaya, particularly its Mahabodhi Temple Complex, is now a revered pilgrimage site. UNESCO acknowledges the giant Bodhi Tree near the main temple as a descendant of the original tree.
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