Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India
Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India (© Rosita So Image/Getty Images)
The tree of awakening
Bodhi tree, also called Bo tree, the specific sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) under which the Buddha sat when he attained enlightenment (bodhi) at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. It is believed that after 49 days of concentrated meditation and several battles with Mara (illusion), Siddharta became the Buddha - the enlightened one. The Buddha remained seated in meditation for a week after his enlightenment, then practiced walking meditation nearby for another week.
© Rosita So Image/Getty Images