Overview
Each year, on December 8th, Buddhists celebrate the day Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment through meditation. The word Bodhi means awakening or enlightenment.
What is the Bodhi Day?
On December 8th each year, Buddhists worldwide observe Bodhi Day, commemorating Siddhartha Gautama’s Enlightenment in 596 BCE under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Northern India. This site is considered sacred, being the birthplace of their tradition.
Bodhi Day festivities extend across mainstream Mahayana traditions like Zen and Pure Land Buddhist schools in China, Japan, and Korea. The celebration involves meditation, studying the Dharma, chanting sutras, and performing acts of kindness. Some mark the occasion with a traditional meal featuring tea, cakes, and readings.
Siddhartha Gautama, a prince in Nepal, initially lived a comfortable life. Upon witnessing the hardships of ageing, sickness, and suffering, he undertook a quest for meaning at 29. He was unsatisfied after six years of austere living and learning under different teachers.
Siddhartha’s path to enlightenment was no small feat—it required an uninterrupted 49 days of meditation. Following this arduous journey, he achieved enlightenment. He experienced Nirvana, marking when Siddhartha transformed into the Buddha, the “Awakened One.”
For 2,500 years, Buddha’s enlightenment has stood as the cornerstone of the Buddhist faith, guiding followers on their quests for awakening and providing a profound source of inspiration and guidance.
This pivotal moment gave rise to The Noble Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths as he meditated under the Bodhi tree, gazing at the rising Venus.
Henceforth, Siddhartha was known as the Buddha, meaning The Enlightened One, and Shakyamuni, the sage of the Shakya clan. Bodhi Day is a profound reminder of this transformative journey and the birth of essential Buddhist principles.
How is Bodhi Day Celebrated in Various Countries?
The annual celebration of Buddha’s enlightenment is a tradition in many Buddhist countries. Different versions of the festival exist.
Bodhi Day, observed in mainstream Mahayana traditions such as Zen and Pure Land schools across China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines, holds special significance.
Rohatsu
In Japanese Zen, the celebration of Bodhi Day is known as Rōhatsu or Rōhachi, signifying the 8th day of the 12th month. Japanese Zen followers engage in special practices, including an all-night meditation session and an intensive sesshin leading up to this day. The observance falls on December 8th in the Gregorian calendar due to Japan’s Westernization during the Meiji Restoration (1862–1869).
Laba
This is the Chinese iteration of the festival, celebrated on the Eighth Day of the La (or Twelfth) Month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Laba typically takes place in the first half of January, aligning with the period between the Winter Solstice (around December 22nd) and the Chinese New Year (between January 22nd and February 21st).
The Journey of Buddha: From Birth to Enlightenment
The journey of the Buddha began with his birth as Siddhartha in Lumbini, Nepal, into the royal Shakya clan. A prophecy hung over his life—staying at home would lead to worldly rule, but venturing out would make him a universal spiritual leader. His family kept him isolated in the palace to steer him towards the former.
The turning point came during Siddhartha’s exploration beyond the palace walls, where he encountered the harsh realities of ageing, sickness, death, and the ascetic way of life. Struck by these profound encounters, he sought answers to the fundamental questions of human existence and suffering.
One night, fueled by a deep resolve, Prince Siddhartha embarked on the Mahabhinishkramana, leaving the palace with his horse Kanthaka and charioteer Channa. Choosing an ascetic path, Siddhartha wandered, practising meditation and fasting to discipline his body. In a pivotal moment, he solemnly vowed upon leaving home—to uncover the root cause of suffering or perish in the attempt.
Under the shade of a peepal tree, known as the Bodhi tree, Buddha immersed himself in profound meditation. With unwavering determination, he delved into the depths of his consciousness, determined to unravel the mysteries of suffering and find the path to enlightenment.
Siddhartha’s quest for answers culminated in a transformative 49 days of meditation under the Peepal tree, leading to the attainment of Nirvana, marking his enlightenment. This pivotal moment marked Siddhartha’s transition into a Buddha, the “Awakened One.”
The setting for this profound experience was Uruvela, by the Niranjana River, where Siddhartha meditated for 48 days. On the 49th day, enlightenment dawned upon him. This sacred site came to be known as Bodh Gaya and is forever associated with the birth of Buddha’s enlightenment.
Following his enlightenment, Buddha delivered his first sermon, Dharmachakraparivartana, in the Deer Park near Sarnath. This significant event involved the proclamation of the four noble truths, laying the foundation for Buddhist teachings.
Buddha’s journey concluded with Maha Parinirvana, referring to his passing away near Kushinagar. Maha Parinirvana represents the ultimate state of Nirvana—an everlasting, highest peace and happiness attained by an Awakened Being.
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