Traditionally celebrated as the 8th day of the 12th month, using the lunar calendar, Bodhi Day marks the day the Buddha attained Enlightenment. In Japan, and in many modern sects of Buddhism, Bodhi Day has transitioned to the more conventional December 8th; the 8th day of the 12th month, but using the Gregorian or Western calendar.
Bodhi Day is not as “big” as some other celebrations, but many Buddhists recognize the day with some type of special service or offering. The type of service or offering will vary between Buddhist sects, of course, but the underlying premise remains consistent.
What Does Bodhi Day Mean for Me?
Regardless of whether you are a new comer or long-time Buddhist, Bodhi Day should hold some significance because it marks the moment at which Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince who renounced his royal life and worldly possessions, became Shakyamuni Buddha. It was this moment that led to the very creation of Buddhism, and Buddhism is teaches the way to end suffering.
The Buddha’s Enlightenment
There are different versions of the story of Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment, including passages in the Pali Canon that are attributed to the Buddha, himself, in which he describes the stages of his Enlightenment and the experience.
According to the Pali Canon, Siddhartha first discovered all of his past lives, which opened his eyes to the continual cycle of death and rebirth. This cycle is known as samsara and is quite prominent in Hinduism. Next, Siddhartha came to understand Karma and the value of the Eightfold Path; a central concept to being Buddhist. Finally, Siddhartha realized the Four Noble Truths which led to his Enlightenment:
"My heart, thus knowing, thus seeing, was released from the fermentation of sensuality, released from the fermentation of becoming, released from the fermentation of ignorance. With release, there was the knowledge, ‘Released.’ I discerned that ‘Birth is ended, the holy life fulfilled, the task done. There is nothing further for this world.’ "
All Buddhist sects agree that Siddhartha sat under a tree (the Bodhi Tree) for three days, meditating, and achieved Enlightenment on the morning of the third day.
How Should I Celebrate Bodhi Day?
As mentioned, traditions vary from one sect to the next. At the Soto Mission Temples in Hawaii, a Bodhi Day service is held on the Sunday following December 8th – unless the 8th falls on a Sunday, then the service is held on Bodhi Day. While formal temple services are not available everywhere, if they are available in your area it might be nice to experience the sutra chanting and incense offering in a group setting.
Consider the meaning of Bodhi Day; not just to Buddhism, but to you, personally. What drew you to Buddhism? Perhaps you were born into a family that followed Buddhism for generations, or perhaps you found Buddhism later in life. Reflect on the Teachings you have learned and how these Teachings affect or influence your life, thoughts and behavior.
Consider, also, the significance of Bodhi Day to Buddhism, as a whole. Without the Buddha’s Enlightenment, our Buddhism would not exist. The world would remain forever in a cycle of birth, death and rebirth; a cycle of suffering without escape. Although this sounds gloomy, it is Buddhism that provides hope and guidance to facilitate that escape from suffering. Ultimately, when Enlightenment is achieved, the cycle of rebirth is broken and upon final death the enlightened person experiences parinirvana, at which time they are no longer reborn in this world. (The Buddha’s parinirvana is typically celebrated in February.)
Reflect on the Teachings that you learned when you became Buddhist, paying particular attention to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These are the Buddha’s gifts for the world and they hold the key to end suffering and reach Enlightenment.
Candles and incense are common in Buddhism and may be lit and offered, respectively.
References
Maha-Saccaka Sutta: The Longer Discourse to Saccakka, translated by Thanissaro Bhikku
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