The Bodhi tree is a sacred object in Buddhism, with the botanical name Ficus religious. Buddha meditated under it and received enlightenment, establishing Buddhism. The tree has a short, thick trunk, heart-shaped leaves, and a large canopy. Before Buddhism, it was considered sacred and associated with knowledge, fertility, enlightenment, and protection. A Buddhist nun brought a cutting of the tree to Sri Lanka in 300 BC, and the original tree was cut down, but a cutting was planted at the site.
The Bodhi tree is an important object in Buddhist iconography, although it was sacred to the peoples of Southeast Asia before the rise of Buddhism. The tree has the botanical name of Ficus religious. According to Buddhist tradition, the Bodhi tree played an important role in the life of the Buddha, who meditated under the Bodhi tree and received enlightenment. After being enlightened, Buddha traveled throughout Asia to teach others, establishing the practice of Buddhism. Bodhi trees are grown all over the world for good luck and as a horticultural accent.
In appearance, a Bodhi tree is moderate in size. The tree has a short, thick trunk that usually reaches about six feet (two meters) tall. The trunk gives way to a large canopy of spreading branches that provide shade and shelter to the area beneath the tree. A Bodhi tree also has distinctive heart-shaped leaves, which appear in regional religious art. In the dry season, a Bodhi tree loses its leaves.
According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was a man who began life as an Indian prince. One day he ventured out and saw four things: a hermit, an old man, a sick man and a corpse. These four things became known as the Four Views and led the Buddha to believe that life is a circle of suffering. He decided to become an ascetic, abandoning the comforts of home life, and set out to explore the world and learn.
During his travels, Buddha fasted heavily and engaged in other practices which included physical deprivation. He also learned meditation and used it to focus her body and his thoughts. He almost died due to his extreme spiritual practices and decided to take some time to think about his life. The place he chose for this was the Bodhi tree, and he sat there in meditation until he found the truth. Choosing the Buddha is recognized as the Middle Way, a meeting place between extreme asceticism and thoughtless everyday life.
In about 300 BC, a Buddhist nun brought a cut of the tree to Sri Lanka. This cutting grew from a tree that still exists in Anaradapura, Sri Lanka. This tree is believed to be the longest living tree in existence. The cuttings have been transported to other locations around the world, and several Buddhist temples have trees that are descended from the original Bodhi tree. Although the original Bodhi tree was cut down, a cutting was planted at the site and the tree can be visited to make offerings or meditate.
Before the advent of Buddhism, the Bodhi tree was considered sacred and numerous myths and traditions developed around it. It was associated with knowledge, fertility, enlightenment and protection. The Bodhi tree has played a part in many religious rites of passage, and is still planted in some areas to bring good luck and happiness.
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