.svg)
Get ready to celebrate Bodhi Day on December 8, a special holiday that holds great significance in the Buddhist tradition. Also known as Rohatsu or "Buddha's Enlightenment Day", this day commemorates the moment when Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, achieved enlightenment after years of meditation under the Bodhi tree. It's a time for reflection, inner peace and spiritual growth for millions around the world. Whether you are a practicing Buddhist or simply interested in learning more about this ancient religion, Bodhi Day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with yourself and others in a meaningful way.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>563 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Siddhartha Gautama</div><div class='timeline-text'>Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become the Buddha, was born in Lumbini, present-day Nepal.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>528 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama</div><div class='timeline-text'>Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree, transforming into the Buddha.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>250 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spread of Buddhism</div><div class='timeline-text'>Buddhism started to spread throughout India and beyond during the rule of Emperor Ashoka.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>300s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Buddhism in China</div><div class='timeline-text'>Buddhism made its way to China via the Silk Road, melding with existing philosophies and religions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Buddhism in the West</div><div class='timeline-text'>Interest in Buddhism increased in the West, leading to its spread across Europe and North America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Current Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebration of Bodhi Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bodhi Day is now celebrated annually around the world on December 8, as a day of meditation and reflection on the Buddha's enlightenment.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Meditate under a Bodhi tree</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a Bodhi tree in your area and spend some time meditating under it. This is a great way to connect with nature and honor the significance of the Bodhi tree in Buddhism.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Bodhi Day celebration</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check if there are any local Buddhist temples or organizations hosting Bodhi Day celebrations. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the holiday and participate in traditional ceremonies and activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Bodhi Day altar</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather items such as candles, incense, and images of Buddha to create a special Bodhi Day altar in your home. This can serve as a peaceful and meaningful space for reflection and gratitude on this holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read and reflect on Buddhist teachings</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read and contemplate Buddhist teachings, particularly those related to the enlightenment of Buddha. This can help deepen your understanding and appreciation of Bodhi Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Practice acts of kindness and compassion</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of Bodhi Day, make a conscious effort to practice acts of kindness and compassion towards others. This could be as simple as volunteering your time or helping a friend or stranger in need.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the birth of Buddha</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bodhi Day, also known as Rohatsu, commemorates the day that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. This holiday is an important reminder of his teachings and serves as a time for reflection and spiritual growth.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes mindfulness and compassion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bodhi Day encourages practitioners to follow in the footsteps of Buddha by cultivating mindfulness and compassion in their daily lives. This celebration serves as a reminder to be kind to ourselves and others, and to approach life with a sense of awareness and empathy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bodhi Day is celebrated by Buddhists all around the world, bringing communities together in shared traditions and practices. This holiday allows individuals to connect with one another and share in the joy of Buddha's teachings, promoting unity and understanding among different cultures and backgrounds.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bodhi Day is Celebrated Differently Around The World</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Japan, for instance, Bodhi Day is known as Rohatsu and is often marked by an intensive period of meditation known as Rohatsu sesshin. In contrast, in Western countries, celebrations may involve reading scriptures, attending special services, or sharing a meal with family and friends.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Single Bodhi Tree Started A Family of Over 100 Trees</h3><p class='facts-content'>A cutting from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment was taken to Sri Lanka by the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta. The tree that grew from the cutting has endured for over 2,000 years, and cuttings from it have been planted around the world.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Bodhi Tree Was A Fig Tree</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Bodhi tree is also known as Ficus religiosa or the sacred fig tree. Its heart-shaped leaves are said to symbolize love and universally acknowledged Buddhist teachings.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Buddha Spent Seven Weeks Meditating After Becoming Enlightened</h3><p class='facts-content'>This period is also known as the "Seven Weeks of Enlightenment". During this time, it is said that he thought about the causes of suffering and the steps required to eliminate it - these became the Four Noble Truths, fundamental teachings in Buddhism.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bodhi Day Celebrations Often Include A Special Meal</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many Buddhists prepare a meal of rice and milk on Bodhi Day to commemorate the first meal the Buddha ate after attaining enlightenment. The rice and milk dish is typically a part of the breakfast served on Bodhi Day morning.</p></div></div>
Bodhi Day is celebrated on December 8th every year. In 2024 Bodhi Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Dec 8
Friday
2024
Dec 8
Sunday
2025
Dec 8
Monday
2026
Dec 8
Tuesday
2027
Dec 8
Wednesday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
