The sacred Bodhi tree. Bodhi tree: description, history and interesting facts

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

Bodhi is the tree of enlightenment, which is sacred in several religions at once. These are religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In many parts of the world, this plant is honored, considering it one of the main symbols of peace and tranquility.

And the name came, in fact, from Buddhism, because Gautama Buddha, having gone through torments that lasted 7 weeks, as a result reached enlightenment under this tree. Legends also say that in labor pains, his mother held hands on the branches of this plant.

Bodhi Tree: description and history

It has several traditional modern as well as ancient names. Religious texts in Sanskrit contain references to the Ashwattha tree, in Pali - to the Rukkha plant. In Hindi, the most commonly used name is "Pipal". In Russian, this tree is called "Sacred Ficus". Its modern name in Sinhala (the language of the indigenous people of Sri Lanka) is Bo-tree, and in English it is Sacred fig. And, in general, its biological name used in scientific reference books is Ficus religiosa.

For Buddhists, Bodhi is a tree that is very important incult rituals, and its wood, in their opinion, has healing properties. It is traditional to meditate under it. This has been practiced since ancient times, because according to legend, it was under the vaults of this tree that Buddha Gautama meditated.

Gautama Buddha and the Bodhi Tree

First of all, it should be noted that the story of the birth of the Buddha is still shrouded in mystery. There are a great many opinions and assumptions about where and when he was born. One version says that the birthplace of the founder of Buddhism is Lumbini. This is relatively reliable information. But scientists have not been able to accurately determine the time of birth. Presumably, the following intervals are indicated: 380 - 350 years. BC.

The tree of Buddha is not in vain called the tree of enlightenment, because it was under its shadow that Gautama received the final answer to the question of his destiny. According to legend, from birth he felt that an unprecedented and supernatural power and energy lived inside, but he had no confidence in this. Gautama decided to check his assumption and went to the Bodhi tree. Before starting the prayer, Gautama circled the Bodhi tree 3 times, and then sat down on the ground under its vaults. Having made the vow, he began to meditate. And here, torment and suffering suddenly began, after passing through which, Buddha Gautama was convinced of his destiny.

Trials under the sacred tree

In the first test, Gautama had to repel the attacks of demons that reminded him of the people he met earlier on his life path. Buddha radiated bright sacredhalo, 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 was able to resist and did not succumb to the temptation.

Meditating, the Buddha spent 7 weeks under a tree, after which an incredible storm began, unprecedented in these parts. But Gautama was able to withstand this test without even moving. He was wearing only a thin robe, and from the strongest stream of rain he was covered by the King Serpent - Mucalinda. After 7 days, the storm subsided, and Mara descended to the Buddha. He wanted to take him to another world, but he said that before he left, he needed to leave behind students in order to pass on his valuable gift, and only then leave.

Tree of enlightenment in Buddhism

Bodhi is a tree under which you can mentally approach the essence of Buddhism. Its powerful branches cover the believers meditating under it, saving from the heat and giving peace. Many sacred paintings and sculptures depict the Buddha under the arches of the sacred tree.

In those parts of the world where this religion is widespread, trees are very important. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world come to the sacred trees to bow before them and make their cherished wishes.

Is there a Buddha tree in Russia?

Followers of Buddhism can now grow the sacred Bodhi tree in their own countries. Seeds can be purchased from variousonline stores or directly in the places where these trees grow.

On the territory of our country, there is a sacred copy 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 history of its appearance in this region is connected with the name of Khambo Lama Dorji Gomboev - in 1970 he brought a small shoot from India, from which the Buddha tree (Bodhi) then grew.

This is not only a place of worship for Buddhists, but also one of the main attractions of the area. Its structure is very interesting: the plant produces roots not only underground, but also from the above-ground part of the trunk, thus forming intricate intricacies. Gradually aging aerial roots dry up, being replaced by new ones.

It is known that the main attribute for meditation is the rosary. The Bodhi tree, or rather its seeds, serve as material for the manufacture of rosaries. Using them, it is easy to reach the highest 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 pendant with a Bodhi tree.

Mahabodhi Tree

The tree under which Buddha Gautama meditated for 7 long weeks is called the Mahabodhi Tree. It, along with Vajrasana, is the most revered shrine for Buddhists throughout the planet. Vajrasana, in fact, is a stone slab located under the vaults of a tree at the site of Gautama's enlightenment. Sowas subsequently named 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 state). Its height is almost 80 m, and its age reaches 120 years.

Sacred tree in Sri Lanka

According to popular belief, the direct descendant of the sacred Bodhi is a tree planted in Sri Lanka.

According to historical legend, there are two versions of how the seedling from the first tree came 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, a branch of the daughter tree growing in Sri Lanka was brought to its original place. Thus, the shrine was revived.

According to another legend, the seedling was brought by Ananda, a beloved student and relative of Gautama.

A little bit of botany

The sacred Bodhi tree, described in this article, belongs to the genus Ficus and the Mulberry family. It is an evergreen tree native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, southwest China.

Characteristic 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 point. The inflorescence is a cauldron that gives an inedible purple seed.

Bodhi's relatives are both figs and rubbery ficus, andbanyan.

In general, ficuses can start their lives in two different ways. From a seed that germinates in the ground or from a branch of a support tree. The second method is called epiphytic.

Buddhist philosophy

The main symbol of this religion is Bodhi (tree). The philosophy of Buddhism is based on enlightenment, which Gautama received under the mysterious vaults of the sacred plant.

Buddhism is not even a religion, but rather a worldview that has more and more followers every year. This is not only faith, but a set of life principles relating to all spheres of human existence: family, work, political and economic life. This trend was formed much earlier than Islam (1000 years). And even though for many millennia this teaching has acquired secrets, legends and mystical mysteries, its followers honor all the sacred facts, striving for the deepest comprehension of this philosophy and enlightenment.