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Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have experienced enlightenment. According to tradition, Siddhartha had recently forsaken years of extreme ascetic practices and resolved to sit under a Bodhi tree and simply meditate until he found the root of suffering and understand how to liberate oneself from it. The day celebrates Buddha's achievement of Nirvana. 

Bodhi Day is observed in many mainstream Mahayana traditions including the traditional Zen and Pure Land schools of China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines.

It is a day meant for remembrance and meditation. Services and traditions vary amongst Buddhist sects, but all such services commemorate the Buddha's achievement of Nirvana. Individuals may choose additional meditation, studying the Dharma, chanting Buddhist texts, performing kind acts towards other beings or celebrate with a traditional meal of tea, cake and readings.

 

Bodhi Day