Mystic Directory

Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya, India

The most likely date for the birth of Buddha is sometime between 644 & 540 BC although some traditions place his birth as late as 4 BC. His name was Siddhartha Gautama and he was born in the north-eastern region of India close to the Nepalese border. He was the son of Suddhodana, ruler of the Sakyas people.

Traditions say that miraculous events surrounded the birth of Buddha: His mother dreamt that the Buddha had entered her womb disguised as a white elephant and this caused her to want to abstain from sex. Buddha’s mother was not a virgin but the birth is nonetheless considered by Buddhists to be a miracle as it is believed to not be product of sexual union.

Sages predicted that Siddhartha would one day become an enlightened person and a spiritual leader. This tame prediction upset his ambitious father who aimed to surround him with material wealth and isolate him from religion.

The first time Siddhartha was exposed to the world he saw suffering which contrasted deeply with his shallow upbringing. At the age of 29 he endeavored to find a deeper meaning to existence starting with consultations with Gurus.

As his quest for enlightenment continued he followed in the steps of 3 previous Buddhas, – Krakucchandam, Kanakamuni and Kasyapa – into the sacred forests of Uruvela (now Gaya in north India). He rested under the Bodhi Tree, the sacred fig tree. Here he achieved enlightenment through meditation and became the Buddha (“enlightened one”) of his age. He meditated for 7 weeks before setting out to serve his message to the world.

Buddha spent the rest of his life travelling in north-eastern India and Sri Lanka. He not only taught but also helped setup monastic centers of learning for both women and men. Buddha died at the age of 80 and places important to Buddha’s life became sites of Buddhist pilgrimage. The Bodhi Tree where Buddha attained enlightenment is arguably important because tradition hold that previous Buddhas had also found their enlightenment under its branches.

The first Bodhi Tree shrine was built in 250 BC by Emperor Asoka and this was replaced in 2AD by the temple that still stands on the sacred site today. There have been many refurbishments to date to maintain the integrity of this 55 m tall shrine for the use of pilgrims. The tree on the location is believed to be a direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha meditated.

The Temple is also sacred to Hindus as they believe that Buddha was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

A building project was announced in 2000 that proposes to install a 150 m high Buddha intended to be a message of universal peace and love. Progress and information on the Buddha Maitreya (meaning universal love) can be found at the following website: www.maitreyaproject.org/en/