Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi:

The world's oldest, venerated tree

by Rupa Banduwardena

The Buddha with his intense compassion for all living beings realised the essence of truth, sitting under the Bodhi tree in the Vajrasana or the diamond embedded throne at the root-the central spot of worship. Touching the earth in the Bhoomy Sparsha Mudra he determined not to move unless he is blessed with supreme enlightenment.

Then he attained the summit of perfection, supreme vision and insight (Samma Sambodhi) with which he gifted the unique teaching to humanity at large, without any distinction of race, caste or creed.

He helped the people to terminate the process of suffering in Samsara. The Buddha said that Nibbana, the supreme bliss, is the highest happiness. Thus he experienced the joy of Vimukthi under the blissful Sri Maha Bodhi at Bodh Gaya, the fountain of Buddhism. His quest was now fulfilled. He is now a Samma Sambuddha, Thathagatha the perfect one.

How was Sri Lanka blessed with Buddhism? The arrival of the sacred Bo sapling is said to be a long-term result of Emperor Asoka's mission to Lankadweepa. After Mahaparinibbana Lanka was the first place to attract his attention due to the very special friendship that existed between the royalty leading to the endowment of Lanka with the most sacred and significant gift, Buddhism.

Arahat Mahinda arrived with it, King Devanampiyatissa embraced Buddhism followed by the people. Many entered the Bhikkhu order. Queen Anula with 500 women appealed to Arahat Mahinda to grant them ordination. The outcome was the arrival of Sanghamitta with the most sacred Bo sapling. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi supposed to be the southern branch of the Bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Theravada doctrine

As Mihintale was 12 miles away from the capital Anuradhapura, the king donated the Mahameghavanna gardens to Arahat Mahinda. Mahavihara was later constructed and it became the centre of Theravada doctrine with the three great symbols of the Triple Gem. Chetiya where the Buddha relics are enshrined, the main temple building signifying the Maha Sangha and the sacred Bo tree symbolising the enlightenment, are all well placed in the sacred premises with a historical background.

Today it is hailed as the most revered and respected as the oldest historical tree in the world.

The king then had proclaimed that hence forth the royalty should look after it and due honour should be bestowed on it. Ever since the sub rulers participated in the chain of activities of the festivals that followed showing their loyalty. Among the many chronicles Saddhammavamsa and Deepavamsa mention about 18 castes of people who had arrived with theri Sanghamitta to attend to the rites and rituals of the sacred plant.

The subsequent kings had performed their duties to the utmost. Recent history reveals that Maha Gal Prakaraya encircling the Bodhi was built during the reign of king Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe.

It had been built at the request of Attadassi Thera to protect it from wild elephants eating its tender leaves. Still later an iron railing had been put up right round the lower Maluwa.

Fund

To restore and conserve not just the Prakaraya but the entire Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi compound, The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund was initiated in 2002, incorporated by an Act of Parliament.

The project was launched with public funding and we are confirming to highest international standards in conserving the site to last at least, for thousand years were the words of K.H.J. Wijayadasa the then Chairman of the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund.

Since its inception a quantum of work had been done, the first task being to put up a Ranveta (golden railing) round the Bo tree, at a cost of Rs. 35 million including the dilapidated Gal Prakaraya.

The conservation project is carried out with public support through selling donation certificates.

A countless number of Buddhists from all over the globe visit the sacred place everyday.

They firmly believe that it performs miracles and look upon it as coming to their aid and blessing then eternally for their sansaric rescue.

Recently, timely action has been taken by the authorities to protect the environment of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi so that the undesirable fumes will not in any way affect the Bodhi.

The vehicle park is now located far away from the sacred site. It is being preserved, honoured and venerated by the Sri Lankans as the most miraculous sacred place symbolising the living Buddha and his teachings.