COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY OF
THE ENLIGHTENED BUDDHA DAY AT BODH GAYA, INDIA
Bhikṣuṇī TN Giới Hương
Bodh Gaya was bustling with numerous significant Buddhist events at the end of 2023 and continuing through beginning of 2024. These included the three-week Dharma teachings by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama (December 29, 2023 - January 20, 2024)[1], the Celebration of the Enlightened Buddha Day (organized by the World Buddhist Merit Society at the Bodh Gaya Monastery on January 17, 2024)[2], and the Pali Triptaka Recitation Ceremony (December 2-12, 2023)[3]. This article aims to introduce the Grand Celebration of the Enlightened Buddha Day.
Figure 1: MahaBodhi Stupa, where the Buddha achieved Enlightenment
Within the state of Bihar, the Mahabodhi Cultural Centre in Bodh Gaya, welcomed more than 2000 monks and distinguished guests from various countries including Taiwan, Malaysia, Tibet, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, the United States, and Canada and encourages many others to gather in participation. From Vietnam, the notable attendees included Venerable Thich Tánh Tuệ (from the United States), Bhikṣuṇī TN Giới Hương (Abbess of Hương Sen Temple, California, USA), Bhikṣuṇī TN Nhuận Lý (Abbess of Taiwan Monastery at Bodh Gaya), and Bhikṣuṇī TN Trí Hân (Linh Sơn Temple, Bodh Gaya), along with many venerable Việt Nam monks and nuns.
The Grand Celebration of the Buddha's Enlightenment Day took place on January 17, 2024 (the 7th day of the 12th lunar month, Buddhist calendar 2567) at the Mahabodhi Cultural Centre in Bodh Gaya, India. The event was organized by the Most Venerable Thích Đạo Quả from Taiwan as the head of the organizing committee and Venerable Thích Bồ Đề as the deputy head. The World Buddhist Merit Society (Taiwan), Guang Minh Da Dao Association (Malaysia), and the Taiwan Buddhist Group collaborated to host this significant occasion.
The program began with the chanting of the Buddha Shakyamuni's name three times, followed by a screening of a film portraying the history of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni and the spread of Buddhism from India to other countries. The documentary also explored the life stories of eminent monastics such as the Great Master Hsuan Tzang, Fa Hsien, and I-Jing, who devoted themselves to Buddhism. Their contributions have played a significant role in the development of Buddhism, continuing into the 21st century. Presently, numerous countries worldwide are establishing monasteries, academies, meditation centers, charitable foundations, and many more facilities dedicated to Buddhism. Since then, the Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, has emerged as a global Buddhist center.
Figure 2: Celebration of the Enlightened Buddha at the Mahabodhi Cultural Centre
Today, followers of Buddhism from various places gather at the Mahabodhi Cultural Centre to participate in a ceremony commemorating the profound grace of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, who realized the ultimate enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This sacred occasion carries the message of happiness and liberation for humanity, offering a precious and meaningful gift from Lord Buddha – a pathway to be free from suffering and the cycle of birth and death. This gift is a profound blessing bestowed upon us by the Buddha. Before attaining enlightenment, he was originally a bodhisattva who underwent three great eons practicing the Bodhisattva path, cultivating the ten perfections (Pāramitā), sacrificing his body, time, and health wholeheartedly to guide sentient beings, steering them away from suffering and leading them back to the path of righteousness. Completing numerous virtuous deeds, as the final life of a Prince Siddhartha, he renounced the luxurious palace life in pursuit of a path that could liberate all sentient beings from the cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death. Enduring six years of ascetic practices in the forest, the Bodhisattva Gautama realized that extreme austerities only caused physical pain and did not lead to enlightenment. Ultimately, he understood the Middle Way – avoiding both extreme indulgence in material pleasures and severe asceticism that harms the body. The Bodhisattva then accepted a bowl of milk rice from the village girl, Sujata, recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy body for the pursuit of the true path. Later, he released the bowl into the Nairañjana River, making a firm vow that if enlightenment was not attained, he would prefer death rather than abandon his quest. True to his determination, the bowl floated upstream, defying the natural flow of the river—a miraculous event confirming the sincerity of his resolve.
As a powerful testament to unwavering faith, Bodhisattva Siddhartha gradually entered meditative states continuously for 49 days. Under the Bodhi tree, he triumphed over the temptations posed by Mara, the embodiment of craving (tanha), aversion (arati), and delusion (raga). He realized the law of Dependent-origination, the twelve links of causation[4] that bind sentient beings in the cycle of birth and death since time immemorial. By cutting one chain link, the others ceased to operate. This profound truth of Dependent- origination was inherent, and he experientially verified this truth leading to the attainment of Buddhahood with the full realization of the ten powers: Omniscience, Unobstructed Knowledge, Perfect Wisdom, Boundless Virtue, Effortlessness, Mastery over Realms, Immeasurable Compassion, Skillful Means, Unwavering Resolute Will, and Taming the Unshakable. Overflowing with joy and tranquility, he exclaimed with profound emotion:
“O builder of this house! You have been seen.You shall not build the house again.All your rafters are broken,The ridgepole is shattered.The mind of the Awakened One has reached the unconditioned state.All cravings have come to an end.”
(Dhammapada)[5]
Figure 3: Whole view of Vietnamese Monastics
PAYING HOMAGE
- In countless lifetimes, out of compassion for sentient beings, aspiring to the Bodhi mind, engaging in the Bodhisattva path, and praying for Buddhahood.2. Pretending to enjoy the allure of sensual pleasures, disillusioned with the impermanence of worldly conditions, wandering in all directions, empathizing with the sufferings of life. Crossing the city walls in the middle of the night, renouncing worldly life, cutting off the green hair, practicing in snowy mountains.3. Possessing extraordinary wisdom, with the dedicated effort, spending five years studying under various masters, diligently learning the art of healing, attaining mastery in meditation, transcending the conventional thoughts.4. Conquering the hardships silently, practicing the asceticism rigorously, enduring extreme physical hardships, eating only one grain or bean per day, drinking only a few drops of dew or rainwater. In winter, enduring the falling snow, exposed to the cold outdoors; in summer, enduring scorching heat in a charnel ground. Using a staff or whip to strike the body, reaching the pinnacle of austerity that no one could match.5. The Bodhisattva accepted the bowl of milk rice from Sujāta, abandoning extreme ascetic practices and returning to the Middle Way. Practicing mindfulness meditation, he resolved to attain Supreme Enlightenment.6. Received the Kuśa grass, he constructed a seat, making a solemn vow that even if his blood dried up and only sinews and bones remained, he would not leave the Kuśa grass throne until attaining Supreme Buddhahood.7. Under the Bodhi tree, on the forty-ninth night, just before dawn, he overcame the forces of Mara, achieving the Knowledge to know the measureless last lifetimes. He clearly saw the suffering of all beings trapped in the cycle of birth and death.
- Under the Bodhi tree, on the forty-ninth night, at the second watch of the night, he attained the Divine Eye, perceiving the entire world and all beings in all ten directions without hindrance.
- Under the Bodhi tree, on the forty-ninth night, at the third watch of the night, he comprehended the nature of suffering, the causes of suffering, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering. He achieved the Knowledge to eradicate all ignorances, purified suffering, and realized the ultimate truth.
- Under the Bodhi tree, at the end of the forty-night, his mind brightened, and he saw the morning star, signifying his attainment of the Bodhi path.
- The Dharma is immortal, the Four Noble Truths are the sacred truths, the Eighfold Path is the path to salvation, rescuing sentient beings and crossing the ocean of suffering.
Namo Sakyamuni Buddha!
Figure 4: Vietnamese Monastics chanting
the Compassionate Mantra and Prajna Heart Sutra
The entire assembly of over 2000 monks remained silent and reverent while contemplating the Compassionate One, the common Father of humanity, and sincerely expressing the gratitude in homage to the Enlightened One who has saved sentient beings from suffering.
The program is meticulously coordinated, solemn, and graceful; shown through seamlessly alternating between recitations of scriptures from various countries, the flower offerings, speeches, presentations of the organization's activities, etc. The primary languages used are English and Chinese. There are two English-speaking MCs (from Malaysia), and a Chinese-speaking MC (from Taiwan), who skillfully guide the program with harmony. While English and Chinese serve as the main languages for the grand ceremony, when monks from each country recite scriptures, they do so in their respective languages and follow their own ceremonial traditions.
The host country, India, was invited to the stage for the first recitation, followed by a solemn ceremony of offering five items (flowers, incense, tea, cakes, and lamps), expertly conducted by approximately 30 lay Buddhists from Taiwan and Malaysia. Next, venerable monks from Taiwan recited scriptures from the Great Vehicle tradition, followed by Vietnamese monks reciting the Great Compassion Dharani, the Prajna-paramita Sutra. Finally, Tibetan monks reciting scriptures in the Tibetan language.
A male monastic representative from the Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan, founded by Venerable Master Cheng Yen, stepped onto the stage to convey greetings from Venerable Bhikṣuṇī Cheng Nghiêm to the assembly. He announced that the lunch offered during the event to around 2000 venerable monastics was sponsored by Venerable Bhikṣuṇī Cheng Nghiêm and the Tzu Chi Foundation (everyone applauded in gratitude). Venerable Bhikṣuṇī Cheng Nghiêm encouraged everyone to adopt a vegetarian diet, emphasizing the compassionate choice to prevent the merciless killing of millions of animals each day for human consumption. Concurrently during this occasion, the monastic representative also showcased on the screen the charitable activities of the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Next, Professor M. Sheevali, the Venerable from Canada with Sri Lankan roots, took to the podium. Following that, a video presentation highlighted the significant contributions of three organizations to Buddhism in Taiwan, Malaysia, India, and many countries worldwide. The World Buddhist Merit Society from Taiwan has been actively engaged in volunteer work, relief efforts, providing charity, and aiding in times of natural disasters, floods, and earthquakes. The society has been involved in humanitarian activities since 2018 in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, and more.
The Guang Ming Da Dao Association (Malaysia) and the Taiwan Buddhist Group have also lent a helping hand to those in need. The organizers didn't forget to display on the screen images of male and female followers of Buddhism earnestly contributing monetary offerings in pink envelops for each venerable monastics participating in the Commemoration of the Buddha's Enlightenment ceremony. The Most Venerable Đạo Quả then took to the stage to recite the Enlightenment Sutra in Sanskrit, while the organizers respectfully offered the auspicious gifts to the monks and nuns. Following this, everyone was invited to partake in a vegetarian lunch (Indian cuisine) at the Anand International Hotel restaurant (located across from the Mahabodhi Cultural Centre).
Figure 5: The Most Venerable Đạo Quả chanting Sanskrit Sutra
While Bhikṣuṇī Giới Hương touching hands to listen to it
At the end of the event, the Most Venerable Thích Đạo Quả, on behalf of the organizers, expressed gratitude to the all monastics from various countries who attended and announced that next year, in 2025, the Commemoration of the Buddha's Enlightenment ceremony will be held on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, following the tradition. They extended an invitation to venerable monks and nuns from all places to participate and wished everyone good health and further expressed gratitude and hopes of meeting again. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause. Bhikṣuṇī TN Nhuận Lý mentioned that the Commemoration of the Buddha's Enlightenment ceremony is held annually, and the 2024 event marks the 18th time, with the continued leadership of the venerable senior monks from Taiwan.
Since the enlightenment of Lord Buddha Siddhartha Gautama beneath the sacred Bodhi tree, Bodh Gaya in the state of Bihar, India, has become the holiest pilgrimage site in the world. Therefore, organizing the Enlightenment Day celebration in the sacred land of Bodh Gaya holds immense significance. The World Buddhist Merit Society has taken on the noble responsibility of organizing this annual event with great scale, solemnity, and profound meaning. Truly, the boundless merits generated from such endeavors are beyond measure and discussion.
Namo Joyful Storehouse of Merit Forest Bodhisattva Mahasattva.
Namo is currently sitting in the Dharma place, the leader of Saha world, the Teacher of the three realms, from the Father of all beings,
Namo Shakyamuni Buddha proved!
Bodh Gaya, India, January 18, 2024
Respectedly report,
Bhikṣuṇī TN Gioi Huong
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Figure 6: Bhikṣuṇī TN Nhuận Lý (brown dress), Bhikṣuṇī TN Giới Hương
(next right) and nuns at the front side of the Mahabodhi Cultural Centre
[1] https://dalailama.com/live
[2] https://huongsentemple.com/index.php/en/about-us/activities/8513-
[3] https://huongsentemple.com/index.php/en/about-us/activities/8513-chanitng-tripitaka-Bodh Gaya
[4] The twelve links or stages are (1) Ignorance, (2) Actions, (3) Consciousness, (4) Name and Form, (5) the Six Entrances (the five sense organs and the mind), (6) Contact, (7) Sensation,(8) Desire, (9) Clinging, (10) Existence, (11) Birth, and (12) Old Age and Death.
[5] Dhammapada. Page 153 - 154. Trans. by Ñanamoli Thera.
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bud_lt32.htm
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY OF THE ENLIGHTENED BUDDHA DAY WITH COLORFUL PHOTOS: Appendix_1._Enlightened_Day_2024_-_TN_Gioi_Huong.pdf
