Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, achieved enlightenment. It is observed on December 8th in many Buddhist traditions.

History

Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, spent years in meditation and self-reflection in search of truth and a way to end suffering. According to tradition, on the morning of December 8th, Siddhartha finally attained enlightenment while sitting under a bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha, or the "Awakened One."

Observance

Bodhi Day is typically observed through meditation, chanting, and readings of Buddhist scriptures. Many Buddhists also decorate a ficus tree to represent the bodhi tree under which Siddhartha achieved enlightenment.

Study Guide

1. Who was Siddhartha Gautama?
2. What is the significance of December 8th in Buddhism?
3. How is Bodhi Day typically observed?
4. What symbol is often used to represent the bodhi tree on Bodhi Day?

Answers

1. Siddhartha Gautama was the historical figure who later became known as the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
2. December 8th is significant in Buddhism as the day when Siddhartha achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha.
3. Bodhi Day is typically observed through meditation, chanting, and readings of Buddhist scriptures.
4. A ficus tree is often decorated to represent the bodhi tree on Bodhi Day.