What is Bodhi Day? And when do Buddhists celebrate it?

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“What is Bodhi Day, and when do Buddhists celebrate it?”

Bodhi Day is a significant celebration observed by Buddhists worldwide, commemorating the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, roughly 2,600 years ago. The precise date of Bodhi Day varies depending on the region and Buddhist tradition.

In Japan, Bodhi Day is celebrated on December 8th, following the Western calendar. However, across East Asia, the holiday generally falls between the winter solstice and the lunar new year. This date fluctuates each year and is determined by the lunar calendar. Scott Mitchell, the dean of students at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley, California, notes this variation.

Southeast Asian Buddhists and Tibetan Buddhists mark Buddha’s enlightenment in May and June, respectively. This divergence in dates is explained by Judith Simmer-Brown, a professor emeritus of contemplative and religious studies at Naropa University in Colorado.

The attainment of enlightenment by Siddhartha Gautama came after years of intense spiritual seeking and meditation. During this time, he gained profound insights into the nature of human suffering, the cycle of birth and death (samsara), and the path to liberation (nirvana). These insights ultimately led to his enlightenment, as explained by Manuel Lopez, a professor of Buddhist Studies and Religion at New College of Florida.

Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions, ranks as the fourth-largest after Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. The majority of Buddhists reside in the Asia-Pacific region.

It is worth noting that not all Buddhist traditions observe Bodhi Day. This celebration is most commonly practiced in East Asia’s Mahayana Buddhist traditions, particularly in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. In Japan’s Zen Buddhist schools, it is referred to as “Rohatsu,” signifying the 8th day of the 12th month. In some other schools, it may be called Jodo-e.

In countries such as Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and other predominantly Buddhist nations, Bodhi Day is celebrated as part of Vesak Day, typically occurring in May. Vesak Day is a comprehensive observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, as elucidated by Lopez.

The customs associated with Bodhi Day celebrations can vary, but they often include prayers, scripture reading, and meditation. Some individuals decorate trees with colorful lights or candles, symbolizing Buddha’s enlightenment, and partake in special family meals. Acts of kindness and generosity (dana) are also observed to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings and improve one’s karma, as noted by Lopez.

Additionally, some traditions include the consumption of rice and milk, believed to be the sustenance that aided Buddha during his final push for enlightenment.

The term “Bodhi” originates from Sanskrit and Pali verbs signifying “to awaken” or “awakened.” In the context of Buddhism, it is generally interpreted as “enlightenment.” Siddhartha Gautama, through his unwavering determination and meditation under a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya, a village in Bihar, India, attained this state of awakening. During that transformative night, he directly perceived the true nature of suffering, its origins, its cessation, and the path to its cessation, as described by Philip Almond, emeritus professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at The University of Queensland, Australia.

The tree under which Gautama meditated came to be known as the “Bodhi Tree” or the “tree of awakening.” The ficus leaf, associated with this tree, holds great symbolism in Buddhism, leading many Buddhists to plant ficus trees. Today, Bodh Gaya, along with its Mahabodhi Temple Complex, stands as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. The colossal Bodhi Tree near the main temple is believed to be a descendant of the original tree, according to UNESCO.

This article is brought to you by Big Big News religion coverage, supported by the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP assumes full responsibility for the content presented here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bodhi Day Celebration

More about Bodhi Day Celebration

• Bodhi Day: The Zen Buddhist Celebration of Enlightenment
• Bodhi Day: Celebrating the Enlightenment of the Buddha
• Vesak Day: Celebrating Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment, and Death
• The Bodhi Tree and Its Significance in Buddhism
• Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path
• Siddhartha Gautama: The Buddha