“When we spend time in meditation and experience moments of peace and harmony, we come closer to the basic goodness that is the actual core of our being.”
—Lama Dudjom Dorjee, “Seclusion and Meditation”
Celebrated annually on December 8, Bodhi Day (pronounced Bow-dee) commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, which is also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.
What is Bodhi Day?
Each year on December 8th, Buddhists celebrate the day that Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment through meditation. The word Bodhi means awakening or enlightenment.
Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, is popularly known as the Buddha. Siddhartha, once an Indian Prince, eventually abandoned his life of luxury for a much simpler one. Many believe that Siddhartha resolved to sit underneath a Bodhi tree and meditate until he found the root of suffering and how to free himself from it.
It took 49 days of unbroken meditation. After becoming enlightened and experiencing Nirvana, Siddhartha became a Buddha, or “Awakened One.” For 2,500 years, Buddha’s enlightenment has served as the central tenant of the Buddhist faith.
The Bodhi tree grows near the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, India. Also located there is a Buddhist temple. Buddhists consider it their most sacred site of pilgrimage.
HOW TO OBSERVE #BodhiDay
While the day celebrates the founder of the Buddhist faith, the day quietly reflects the ways of enlightenment. No parades or fanfare herald the name of the Buddha through city streets. Some eat tea and cookies. Others decorate a Bodhi tree. For most, it’s a day of meditation. Even if you’re not Buddhist, you can still participate in this day.
Learn about Buddhism, listen to a dharma talk
Meditate
Light candles to signify Buddha’s enlightenment.
Read books about Buddhism, including Buddhist Philosophy: Essential Readings, Taking the Path of Zen, and Mindfulness in Plain English.
Watch documentaries about Buddha, including The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha, and Angry Monk.
BODHI DAY HISTORY
Some Buddhists celebrate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death all on one day. They call the celebration Vesak, and follow the lunar calendar to prepare for the observance. Mahayana Buddhists in China, Korea, and Vietnam break up Vesak into three separate holy days. One of the three days includes Buddha’s enlightenment or Bodhi Day. Mahayana Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day on the 8th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar, which means the dates change from year to year.
In Japan, however, Bodhi Day follows the Gregorian calendar. This is thanks to Emperor Meiji, who began the westernization of Japan when he ruled from 1867 to 1912. Every year, Bodhi Day in Japan is celebrated on December 8th. It’s not known what year it became a day of celebration.
When is the Next Bodhi Day?
There are really two Bodhi Days each year. The “Secular” Bodhi Day, celebrated on a fixed date in much of the Western World and Japan, is December 8.
The other Bodhi Day is based on the lunar calendar so, like Easter, the date changes year to year.
The next Lunar Bodhi Day is January 7, 2025.
The Bodhi tree and its reflection symbolize an individual's spiritual goal to achieve enlightenment by letting go of the finite self through meditation and self-discipline. The heart-shaped leaves of the Bodhi tree represent the peace and happiness of developing one's heart.
Sources:
https://bodhiday.org
https://www.thezenlife.com/blogs/news/the-significance-of-the-number-108
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/bodhi-day-december-8/