Bodhi tree

Ficus Religiosa (Pipal tree or Bodhi tree)

 

Sacred to all Indian religions from the ancient time.

Growing to 30 metres, the pendent leaves of this fig tree are heart shaped and blue-green with pinkish veins on slender branches.

Slow growing, the tree starts from a very tiny seed but it can grow very large and can live more than a few hundred years.

The tree has been used as an auspicious symbol in India representing qualities of endurance, effort and wisdom.

The Buddha sat under this tree and attained Enlightenment. Since then the tree was named ‘Bodhi Tree’, meaning ‘the Tree of Enlightenment’.

 

After early morning sitting meditation under the Bodhi tree, Bodh Gaya, India. Research trip Nov 2015

After early morning sitting meditation under the Bodhi tree, Bodh Gaya, India. Research trip Nov 2015


Enlightenment of the Buddha, Stone carving, Sanchi Stupa, India . 2nd Cent BCE.  Bodhi tree is in the tree temple. Empty seat represents the Inner Peace. Triratna symbol means the Triple gem. The tree is worshipped by two winged angels and four high class people..

Enlightenment of the Buddha, Stone carving, Sanchi Stupa, India . 2nd Cent BCE.  Bodhi tree is in the tree temple. Empty seat represents the Inner Peace. Triratna symbol means the Triple gem. The tree is worshipped by two winged angels and four high class people..

 

During 5th Cent BCE – 1st Cent CE, Buddhists did want to create the image of the Buddha due to their deep understanding of Buddhist teachings on ‘Emptiness of attachment to self’ (Sunnata) or  ‘Non-self’ (Anatta).  The Buddha was represented by many symbols. When ancient Indian artists created life of the Buddha in stone carving, the Bodhi tree was used to symbolize the Enlightenment of the Buddha. 

Maha Bodhi temple, Bodh Gaya, India is the heart of Buddhist pilgrimage. 

Maha Bodhi temple, Bodh Gaya, India is the heart of Buddhist pilgrimage. 


Bodhi seed is so small. The seed can grow the giant tree and last for many hundred years. 

Bodhi seed is so small. The seed can grow the giant tree and last for many hundred years.