Bodhi Tree Symbolism

The bodhi tree was symbolic of "awake-ness" long before Prince Siddartha Gautama entered the opening of enlightenment beneath its leaves in 528 B.C..

Indeed, the name bodhi or (also known as bo) means "awakening." Even the scientific world recognizes the spiritual associations with this tree as its botanical name, ficus religiosa, means "religious fig."

The bodhi tree is sacred in India, and venerated in Bodhgaya where it is said the descendant of the original tree where the Buddha experienced spiritual awakening still grows.

Even before the Buddha's spiritual expansion sparked the revolutionary religious teachings of Buddhism, the bodhi tree symbolism was associated with Vishnu, a major archetypal Hindu god. Vishnu is the sustainer of the universe and part of the holy trinity with Brahma and Shiva completing the divine triad.

Ancient Indian art depicts Vishnu nestled amongst the delicate leaves of the bodhi, peering out through the universe with his infinite spiritual vision. It makes me wonder if the bodhi was a source of energy for Vishnu.

Looking at the bodhi, it wouldn't be an unreasonable assumption. It exhudes a high, bright, fine energy. It speaks of playfulness and thoughtfulness. Its leaves are lively and just as the ancient Celts utilized the dance of the aspen as an augury, I'm quite sure Buddist monks can interpret the sign language of the lilting bodhi leaves.

Additionally, the bodhi moves its body in wild rhythmic contortions, forming organic twists that curl up in our imaginations. When we look upon it with childlike eyes we can see whirling clouds, dancing maidens, and beautifully wrinkled faces of old sages laughing in the bodhi bark.

More symbolic attributes of the sacred bodhi tree:

Joy
Play
Luck
Light
Calm
Hope
Peace
Charm
Patience
Laughter
Softness
Brilliance
Patience
Endurance
Awakening
Longevity
Innocense
Tranquility
Preservation
Sustainment
Enlightenment

Furthering it's honorable status, the tender bodhi leaves provides nourishment to elephants, a sacred animal to India.

Silkworms are also considered very auspicious and they too enjoy the fruits of the bodhi.

I hope you have enjoyed this page on the symbolic bodhi tree. Please continue your adventure into the symbolic realm of trees by visiting these in-site pages:

Special Bodhi Leaf Ring from KA Gold Jewelry

The inlaid Buddhi ring is made in the shape of the leaves of the "Ficus religiosa" tree. This is the tree under which the prince Siddhartha Gautama reached awakening, the understanding of what is the source of all suffering.

The ring is inlaid with precious and semi precious stones.

Around the stone there is a sentence in Hebrew, "Utterly senseless, everything is senseless!" taken from the book of Ecclesiastes written by King Solomon. Many Buddhists note the similarity between the message contained in Ecclesiastes and the essential themes that run through Buddhist philosophy. Both Buddha and King Solomon related to life as "Maya" Illusory or Senseless.

The word Buddhi was mistakenly translated to "enlightenment" although its true meaning is 'awakening' or 'awareness'. The use of the term 'enlightenment' leads to a basic miscomprehension of the Buddhi state, which often leads one to relate to enlightenment as something supreme, as something beyond... and therefore unattainable. Actually the Buddhi state is simply a state of consciousness, an awakening characterized by a lack of illusionary thoughts.

The Buddhi ring reminds the wearer of the possibility of being compassionate and modest, two qualites that are essential to the awakening process.

Description excerpted from KA-Gold Jewelry, Bodhi Ring page here