Buddhists believe it is under a Bodhi tree, specifically a sacred fig tree known as Ficus religiosa, that Siddhartha Gautama, who would later be known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment after a profound period of meditation and introspection. This pivotal event took place over 2,500 years ago in Bodh Gaya, India, a site that has since become one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists around the world.
The Bodhi tree is all about enlightenment and shows that everyone has the chance to wake up to deeper truths. In Buddhism, Prince Siddhartha gave up his fancy life to find out more about the meaning of life. After spending years in tough practices and meditating, he decided to stay under the Bodhi tree until he reached enlightenment.
One night, while deep in meditation, Siddhartha faced off against Mara, who represents desire and illusion. Through serious thinking, he discovered the Four Noble Truths, which are key to Buddhist teachings. This led to his awakening and understanding of suffering, its causes, and how to break free from it.
The Bodhi tree is cherished in Buddhist communities and symbolizes Siddhartha's journey, reminding people that they too can reach enlightenment with their own efforts, serving as a strong symbol of hope and wisdom.
Male:
Year: AD 1,361
Me: Would you mind if I spend some time talking with you today?
You are more than welcome my precious, however I am an old man and not sure what you would learn from me?
Me: What is your name?
I am the Bodhi tree
Me: No, I mean what is your tree name translated?
The tree of life, the tree of laughs, the tree of happiness
My mission is to spread peace throughout the world - on the wings of the birds and on the ripples of the wind.
The Divine Madman was before my time, although it is an interesting story. As with all myths, it doesn't take much for people to spin great yarns into legends from simple stories, however it brings people here which is a blessing.
Me: Thank you for speaking with me today, it has been a privilege
It has been a pleasure my precious and may you take the blessings of this holy place on your journey with you.
The Divine Madman:
Lama Drukpa Kunley is a spiritual figure in Tibetan and Bhutanese Buddhism—an enlightened Buddha who chose to appear on earth as a playful wanderer. He sought to impart Buddhist teachings through unconventional methods, mocking the conservative religious establishment and advocating for a lifestyle of indulgence, mischief, and a vibrant sex life as a path to enlightenment. Known as the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley held nothing sacred. He travelled the Himalayas sharing jokes, reciting risqué poetry, performing miracles, drinking chung (a Tibetan beer), and seducing women, including, surprisingly, his own mother.
Renowned for his unconventional methods of enlightening others, primarily women, he was nicknamed "The Saint of 5,000 Women". Many sought his blessing through sexual intercourse. His goal was to show that enlightenment and a healthy sexual life could coexist, proving celibacy wasn't necessary. He aimed to expand enlightenment methods and introduce new possibilities to traditional practices. He introduced phallus paintings in Bhutan and statues on rooftops to ward off evil spirits. Known for awakening the unenlightened, Kunley's penis is called the "Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom", and he is the "fertility saint".
Even today, couples continue to visit the monastery seeking a fertility blessing, and there is a book containing photos of numerous children born after their visit.
On a warm, sunny day, a friend and I visited the monastery, which required us to walk through rice fields and a nearby village. It was a leisurely walk past local villagers who were busy cutting and harvesting rice. The village houses were decorated with paintings of dragons, geometric patterns, and various phallic designs! To reach the moderately steep path up to the monastery, you must walk through the village and past several shops selling colourfully painted carved phalluses, with locals trying to persuade us to buy them (and no, we didn't!). Our guide knew the monks and after removing our shoes and sunhats we were honoured to be given a blessing and presented with a 'khata'. A symbol of honour and respect, a khata is presented as a greeting, signalling a welcome to an arriving person or respect to a deity when visiting a temple.
To help spread the word and enable the planting of more trees I kindly ask if you would please Like/Follow/Share the Facebook page: Talkingtotreesproject
also on Instagram: Talkingtotreesproject
댓글