HANAPEPE — The bodhi tree growing in the back of the Kauai Soto Zen Temple and the focal point of numerous peace celebrations, is from Bodhigaya, the area where the Buddha sat and became awakened, or enlightened, said Gerald Hirata of the Kauai Soto Zen.
Bodhi Day is one of the milestone events observed by the Buddhists next to the birthday of the human prince Siddhartha Gautama in the sixth century.
Hirata said he’ll share the history of the Kauai Soto Zen Temple’s Bodhi tree during the annual Bodhi Day services sponsored by the Kauai Buddhist Council. This year’s service is being hosted by the Kauai Soto Zen on Dec. 2, starting at 9:30 a.m.
“Bodhi is a sanskrit term meaning ‘enlightenment, wisdom, and awakening,’” Hirata said. “This day, then, is a rebirth of sorts where the person became the Buddha after meditating under a Bodhi tree.”
Siddhartha Gautama’s birthday as a human is April 8, celebrated as Hanamatsuri. On Dec. 8, Gaiutama celebrates his birthday as a Buddha, the Awakened One after being enlightened at age 35.
“The bodhi tree, therefore, is also a symbol of enlightenment, wisdom, and awakening,” Hirata said. “Few people know what a bodhi tree looks like. I know of only two on Kauai — one being located at the western end of the parking lot fronting the state building — although I suspect there are more at some other sites such as botanical gardens, or the Hindu temple.”
Dr. Thao Le, associate professor of the Human Development &Family Studies program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, will be the guest speaker, talking on “Bodhi in Each Moment” where her interactive presentation will share the practice of living centered on Buddhist principles, and to supporting causes that promote happiness and well being.
Le has worked with youth and organizations serving families, teachers, students, and counselors in promoting mindfulness.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
