Happy Bodhi Day to all who celebrate!
What is Bodhi Day?
Celebrated annually on December 8, Bodhi Day (pronounced Bow-dee) commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, which is also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. According to tradition, Siddhartha had recently forsaken years of extreme ascetic practices and resolved to sit under a peepal tree, also known as a Bodhi tree, and simply meditate until he found the root of suffering, and how to liberate oneself from it.
How is Bodhi Day observed?
Services and traditions vary amongst Buddhist sects, but all such services commemorate the Buddha's achievement of Nirvana, and what this means for Buddhism today. Individuals may choose to commemorate the event through additional meditation, study of the Dharma, chanting of Buddhist texts (sutras), or performing kind acts towards other beings. Some Buddhists celebrate with a traditional meal of tea, cake, and readings.
The dharmachakra or wheel of dharma is a symbol used in Indian religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and especially Buddhism. Historically, the dharmachakra was often used as a decoration in statues and inscriptions, beginning with the earliest period of East Asian Culture and remains a major symbol of the Buddhist religion today.
Learn more about Buddhist Holidays
Want to learn more about Bodhi Day and other Buddhist holidays? Check out this Buddhist Holidays slide deck by Tricycle: The Buddhist Review.