Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka:

The world's most sacred tree

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama out of compassion for the suffering humanity became the Buddha to lead the countless humans into bliss. He revealed the universal truth, that humanity had ever known.

In his last life he entered the solitude of the forest and by intense meditation he realised the four noble truths and the eight fold path and found the path of liberation, the greatest discovery of the masks mind. Having occupied the diamond seat (Wajrasana) under the tree of Enlightment touching the wide earth in the Bhoomy Sparsha Mudra, he was determined not to move unless he is blessed with Supreme Enlightenment.

Heaven and earth trembled, the Devas applauded, the great Master experienced the joy of "Vimukthi" under the Patra Tree, the blissful Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddhagaya-the foundation of Buddhism. His quest was now fulfilled. He is now a Samma Sambuddha.

Sri Maha Bodhi

Sri Maha Bodhi the sacred Bo tree held in veneration by all Buddhists in Sri Lanka and even the world is said to be the right branch of the original sacred Bodhi tree at Buddhagaya. The arrival of the sacred Bo sapling was a long term result of Emperor Asoka's mission to Sri Lanka. After Maha Parinibbana, Lanka, was the first place to attract his attention to propagate Dhamma.

The two kings in either country had developed a very special friendship which led to this celebrated event of great religious significance. When Arahat Mahinda brought the supreme gift, the immortal dowry here, king Devanampiyatissa greatly impressed, accepted Buddhism, followed by the people. Thousands embraced the new faith and many entered the Bhikkhu order. Queen Anula with 500 women 50 devoted appealed to Arahat Mahinda, to grant them ordination.

As monks were not permitted to ordain females, Theri Sangamitta was invited to Lanka to inaugurate the Bhikkhuni Sasana, turning a new chapter in the sasanic history of this island of Dhammadweepa. It was his minister Aritta that King Devanampiyatissa sent for the purpose. He arrived at Pataliputra and informed the emperor of his request. Emperor Asoka complied with the request by sending Theri Sanghamitta with the most sacred Bo sapling.

According to Mahavamsa Dhammasoka had stood on the shore gazing at the ship sailing far and later returned to his capital weeping, shedding tears.

When the ship reached a yojana, it is said the waves of the ocean were stilled, lotus flowers had blossomed all around and Devas had made offerings manifold in great veneration to the sacred sapling. Lucien de Zoysa in his stories from the Mahavamsa gives a vivid discription. He says, in anticipation of the arrival of the sacred Bodhi King Devanampiyatissa had the entire length and breadth of roadway from Anuradhapura to the landing place, Mantota, the port of Jambukola Patuna (the present Sembilithurai), spotlessly cleaned and gaily, decorated.

He himself had encamped by the seashore awaiting the arrival. When the ship was sighted, the king had waded into the sea neck deep and had requested the golden pot bearing the sapling to be placed on his head.

Due honour

The king had placed it in a specially constructed pavilion, till it was ready to be taken to the capital. After ten days during which various religious rites and ceremonies were performed, and villagers from far and wide paid homage to the sapling was conducted in a royal procession to Anuradhapura with great pomp and ceremony. On the way reception ceremonies were held in the village of Brahmin Tivakka. Finally the planting ceremony was held at Maha Meghavanna gardens at the spot where it now stands revered and respected by all as the oldest historical tree known to the world. The king had proclaimed that henceforth every monarch should look after it, to the best of their ability and due honour should be bestowed on it.

Along with Theri Sanghamitta, people of 18 castes had arrived in Sri Lanka to attend to the rites and rituals and safeguard the sacred plant. They had been settled in the surrounding villages. This is mentioned in the Saddhammavamsa and Deepavamsa.

The arrival of skilled labour has had a great influence on the social strata and economic development of the country. Bringing about a new breed of life enriched by Buddhism. Another remarkable feature was the prevalent unity and harmony. Provincial rulers from all parts of the island participated in the chain of activities of the festival that followed, showing their loyalty and utmost reverence to the Bo sapling.

Miraculous powers

Chronicles record that instantly eight Bo saplings sprang up from the main Bo tree and these off shoots of the Bodhi (ashtapala Bo) were distributed to other parts of the island. Dambakolapatuna, Tivakka Mihintale, Patamaka Chetiya, Thuparama, Isurumuniya, Kataragama and Sadungama are the places mentioned in the Sinhalabodhivamsa. It is said that 32 other saplings came up from the former eight plants which made Bodhi worship firmly rooted throughout the island. Provision of buildings such as Bodhighasa and other requisites for the survival of the sacred Bodhi came to be considered as the duty of the royalty, and it was duly performed.

Bodhivamsa speaks of 40 places where the Bo saplings from the original Jaya Sri Mahabodi were planted and historic temples such as Kelaniya, Kalutara, Matara, Bellanwila, to name a few, are clearly stated in the list leading to a definite conclusion regarding their origin. There is no doubt that the Bodhi in these temples are as sacred as the Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura.

All Buddhists who visit the temples, are there to worship the Bodhi in quiet serene surroundings and engage themselves in meditation, pirith chanting and pray for the blessings. Some are deeply involved in making various pujas busy arranging offerings and finally bathing the Bodhi going round it reciting gathas.

Hence Bodhi Puja has become a widely prevalent ritual to seek redress and relief, from all evils. In some temples legend and tradition speaks of powerful deities making it their abode in ancient times. There are rock inscriptions too which give details about certain Bodhi.

Latest historic landmark

Another interesting episode is the events connected to the temple named Lumbini Vihara in Killinochchi. According to the present Thera Seevali this is yet another place associated with Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Ven. Thera says that according to legend when the sacred Bo plant was taken in procession from Dambakolapatuna by Theri Sanghamitta, her followers King Devanampiyatissa and his courtiers had spent the first night in this temple.

He also emphatically maintains the first sprout of the sacred Bo tree had been planted here. With the dawn of peace today this is hailed as a venerated spot and a venue of pilgrimage. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is of great historic and religous importance as it stands to tell all Buddhists in the world about the unparalleled marvel of the Enlightened one-the Buddha and his gem of truth made clear to the world.

"Sri Maha Bodhi sapling to be flown to India" is the latest news vital to Buddhists all over the world.

The Buddhasasana Ministry with the Indian Sri Maha Bodhi society have made arrangements to take the sacred sapling to Buddhagaya after performing a series of religous ceremonies in well-known ancient temples of Sri Lanka enabling the devotees to worship and venerate before its departure.

May the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi eternally bless Mother Lanka.