Bodhi Day 2023 Commemorating Buddha's Enlightenment
Each year on December 8th, Buddhists celebrate the day that Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
He abandoned his luxurious life as a prince of Sakya clan, and meditated until he found the root of suffering and how to free himself from it.
He attained Nirvana to become “Buddha”, the Awakened one near Falgu River in Gaya, Bihar which is considered the most sacred site of Buddhist pilgrimage.
The concept of 'liberating insight' gained prominence, and found significance in sutras alongside the Four Noble Truths.
‘Dukha’ is the first noble truth of life, meaning suffering, pain or anguish of every human in this world.
‘Samudaya’ means the origin and cause of our sufferings, seeking introspection for factors leading to pain.
‘Nirodha’ introduces the truth of the cessation of suffering, offering hope and guidance to liberate ourselves.
‘Marga’ unfolds the Eightfold path that leads to the end of suffering and journey towards liberation.
Conceptually, the truths serve as a framework within Buddhist scriptures, urging personal understanding and experience to unlock the teachings of Buddha.