At TriHealth, our mission and values call us to uphold our spiritual heritage as well as respect the spiritual heritage of others and appreciate all people. 

Each year on December 8, Buddhists celebrate the day that Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment through meditation. The word Bodhi (pronounced bow-dee) means awakening or enlightenment.

 

Siddhartha Gautama – popularly known as the Buddha, founder of Buddhism and once an Indian Prince – abandoned his life of luxury for a much simpler one. Many people believe that Siddhartha was determined to sit underneath a Bodhi tree and meditate until he found the root of suffering and how to free himself from it.

 

It took 49 days of unbroken meditation before Siddhartha became enlightened. While experiencing Nirvana, Siddhartha became a Buddha, or “Awakened One”. For 2,500 years, Buddha’s enlightenment has served as the central tenant of the Buddhist faith.

 

The Bodhi tree grows near the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, India. Also located there is a Buddhist temple. Buddhists consider it their most sacred site of pilgrimage.

 

The enlightenment of the Buddha is among the most significant events in Buddhist history, and it's an event commemorated annually by many Buddhists.

 

May all beings know peace. Happy Bodhi Day!