Bodhi Day
Commemorating the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama under the Bodhi tree.
Bodhi Day is observed on December 8 in Japan (Rohatsu) and many Western Zen and Pure Land communities, while communities following the Chinese lunar calendar mark it on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, usually in January.
When Is Bodhi Day?
Bodhi Day is observed on December 8 in Japan (Rohatsu) and many Western Zen and Pure Land communities, while communities following the Chinese lunar calendar mark it on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, usually in January.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Bodhi Day marks the moment Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment (bodhi) after, according to some accounts, 49 days of meditation beneath the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, becoming the Buddha, the "Awakened One." This event is the foundation of all Buddhist teaching.
How It Is Observed
Meditation practice, reading of Buddhist scriptures, decorating a bodhi tree (or ficus plant) with lights and ornaments, simple meals of tea and rice, reflection on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Sacred Text
“"All conditioned things are impermanent": when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering. This is the path to purification.”
, Dhammapada 20:277 ↗