Bodhi Tree; 3 Definition(s)

Introduction

Bodhi Tree means something in Buddhism, Pali, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

General definition (in Buddhism)

The Bodhi Tree, also known as Bo (from the Sinhalese Bo), was a large and very old Sacred Fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Gaya (about 100 km/62 mi from Patna in the Indian state of Bihar), under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism later known as Gautama Buddha, achieved enlightenment, or Bodhi. In religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is recognizable by its heart shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed.

This refers to the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The original tree was destoryed in the 7th century, however the offshoots of this tree are still there in Sri Lanka and India.

India history and geogprahy

The Bodhi tree at the Mahāvihāra in Anurādhapura.—The received tradition is that the Bodhi Tree was a sapling of the Tree at Bodh-Gaya in India, that it was brought to Laṅkā, by Saṃghamitta with the consent of the Mauryan Emperor, Asoka, and that it was planted at Anurādhapura, on ground consecrated by the Buddha, by Devānaṃpiya Tissa in B.C. 246 in the presence of Mahinda Thera and a great multitude.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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