Have you ever thought what thoughts arise when seeing a calm and peaceful Buddha Statue? You are likely thinking of the bronze or the stone, but the subject of our contemplation is much heavier than the material itself. The patina of history and a tale of awakening. The mortal subject of the statue had a very significant awakening and realization over 2500 years ago, under a tree. Every still gaze and pointed hand gesture directs us to a single awakening, under a single tree, and a single night.
It is this awakening that leads Buddhists worldwide to celebrate Bodhi Day on December 8th each year. It is the essence of the entire tradition. Bodhi Day means and remembers the moment that earth broke apart when Siddhartha Gautama became enlightened (bodhi) and became the “Awakened One”, Shakyamuni Buddha.
Understanding the significance of Bodhi Day, as well as the symbolism of the Bodhi Tree, can provide a more special space but also a more inward connection toward the wisdom path of the statues. To begin, you can check out our variety of Buddha Statues.
Bodhi Day: The Triumph of Wisdom
Bodhi Day is not a celebration of the Buddha’s birth but his final triumph over suffering. After years of his search for truth, including an unsuccessful trial of extreme austerity for six years, Siddhartha sat under the Ficus religiosa (the Peepal Tree) with a one-pointed determination: “I will not rise from this seat until I know the truth.”
The traditional story eloquently portrays the spirit of that pivotal night. As Siddhartha sat with the heavy weight of his mind, regioned in meditation, Mara would challenge him, the demon that personifies distraction, temptation and the fear of death. Through steadfast focus, he broke through the veil of distraction to discover the universal principles of being:
- He learned about the principle of cause and effect (Karma).
- He learned the Four Noble Truths, the foundational teaching of taking suffering wisdom and the path to freedom.
As the morning star appeared, Siddhartha rose, transformed. Bodhi Day is our annual reminder that great wisdom is not a gift, but an achievement available to anyone who commits to the path.
How it’s Observed in the West?
Here in the US, many Buddhist communities mark Bodhi Day not with elaborate fanfare, but with focused sincerity. Typical practices include:
- Extended Meditations: Many sustain extra periods of silent meditation, sometimes holding vigils all night long (Rōhatsu in Zen culture) since the intensity of the Buddha’s final exertion is honored and dedicated to practice.
- Thinking about Dharma: Practitioners of many kinds often will think about the actual teaching of the Buddha or simple Four Noble Truths.
- Lights of Awakening: People may decorate their homes or temples with lights or strings of beads representing the wisdom that spreads light.
The Bodhi Tree: Witness to Awakening
The tree under which all of this took place was a type of fig, known scientifically by the genus Ficus, and given bodhi meaning “Awakening.” The tree at Bodh Gaya, India, is one of the most revered places of significance on the planet.
Why so central? Because it stood. It was the physical presence, the witnessing and silent witness to the single most important event in Buddhist history. The world recognized Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which grew from a cutting in the 3rd century BCE, is said to be the oldest living tree planted by humans in the world.
Symbolism in Buddhist Art
Buddhist art depicting the Bodhi Tree symbolizes:
- Wisdom and Understanding: An extended, heart-shaped leaf of the Ficus religiosa has turned into one of the iconic symbols in Buddhist art to demonstrate the realization that occurred there.
- A Spiritual Point of Reference: It illustrates the unshakeable grounding of the Dharma, a refuge for one’s spirit free and safe from the distractions of the outside world.
- An Earlier Symbol: Before artists carved the Buddha in human form (the Shakyamuni figure), and prior to the Bodhi Tree being shown with the classically empty throne sitting below it under the tree; the Bodhi Tree was the main way to symbolize the event of enlightenment.
The Bodhi Tree’s Role in Buddha Statues
When sculpting a Buddha Statue, sculptors are able to select a particular mudra, or hand gesture, that relates to an aspect of enlightenment; two of the poses refer to or at least recognize the sacred night underneath the tree.
1. The Earth-Touching Gesture (Bhumisparsha Mudra)
This is the most recognizable pose of enlightenment and most referenced and closest in meaning to the Bodhi Tree.
- The statue rests in a comfortable position of deep meditation.
- The left hand rests in the lap while the right hand faces down and touches the earth.
This shared knowledge reflects the realization of the Buddha. The gesture demonstrates the Buddha calling upon the earth, the silent witness who offered him shelter, to affirm his knowledge to Mara’s claims. If one is searching for a true image of the Buddha with unshakeable faith, make sure to include this pose found within one of our Sitting Buddha Statues into your collection.
2. The Gesture of Concentration (Dhyana Mudra)
While Bhumisparsha is celebrating the state that one worked for – the outcome itself – Dhyana Mudra represents the steady, deep, calm process to arrive to this state:
- Both hands rest in the lap, although the palms often face up across or even partly overlapping each other, as in the previous example.
This pose symbolizes the deep concentration and perfect inner peace Siddhartha maintained during his long night of vigil. A statue in the Dhyana Mudra is a perfect focal point for your own practice, reminding you to seek calm within. Find statues in this serene pose in our Meditating Buddha Statues selection.
By selecting a statue that reflects this profound theme of history and spirituality—such as the calm centeredness of the Dhyana pose or the affirming witness of the Bhumisparsha pose, would be a way of recognizing Bodhi Day and bringing a piece of the Bodhi Tree into your home.
