An Alytical Study of The Tree of Enlightenment That Appears in Buddhavamsa Scripture

Abstract

The purposes of this documentary research were: 1) to investigate the trees in Buddhism; 2) to study the Bodhi trees; and 3) to analyze the Bodhi trees in Buddhavaṃsa. This study draws upon primary sources, including the Tipitaka and the Commentaries, as well as secondary sources, such as documents, textbooks, research studies, and scholarly articles.

The results were as follows:

1. The tree in Pali, Rukkha, is divided into 2 types: (1) those that grow from an existing tree and (2) those that grow from seed. In Pishita Sutta, six types of plants or trees are identified: 1) all plants, 2) plants that grow from roots, 3) plants that grow from stems,
   4) plants that grow from nodes, 5) plants that grow from shoots, and 6) plants that grow from seeds. In Buddhism, 22 tree types are specifically associated with the life of the Buddha: 1) Bodhi tree, 2) sal tree, 3) banyan tree, 4) cornbeefwood, 5) milkey tree, 6) Indian coral tree, 7) black plum, 8) Burmese rosewood, 9) Catechu tree, 10) Siamese neem tree, 11) iron wood, 12) mango tree, 13) Indian gooseberry, 14) orange tree, 15) caper tree, 16) bamboo, 17) cotton plant, 18) sugar palm, 19) bael fruit, 20) bastard teak, 21) red cotton tree, and 22) chebulic myrobalan.
2. The 17 Bodhi trees in Buddhavaṃsa are as follows: 1) Chinese fig, Bodhi tree of Dīpaṅkara Buddha; 2) Cannonball tree, Bodhi tree of Koṇḍañña Buddha; 3) Alexandrian laurel tree, Bodhi tree of the 4 Buddhas: Maṅgala Buddha, Sumanā Buddha, Revata Buddha, and Sobhita Buddha; 4) Indian laurel tree, the Bodhi tree of Anomadassī Buddha; 5) Wodier tree, the Bodhi tree of Paduma Buddha, Nārada Buddha, and Vessabhū Buddha; 6) Pine tree, the Bodhi tree of Padumuttara Buddha; 7) Siamese neem tree, the Bodhi tree of Sumedha Buddha; 8) Bamboo tree, the Bodhi tree of Sujāta Buddha; 9) Champak, the Bodhi tree of Anomadassī Buddha; 10) Red sandalwood tree, the Bodhi tree of Dhammadassī Buddha; 11) Night-blooming jasmine, the Bodhi tree of Siddhattha Buddha; 12) Indian gooseberry, the Bodhi tree of Phussa Buddha; 13) Jacaranda tree, the Bodhi tree of Vipassī Buddha; 14) Caper tree, the Bodhi tree of Sikhī Buddha; 15) Indian walnut, the Bodhi tree of Kakusandha Buddha; 16) Banyan tree, the Bodhi tree of Kakusandha Buddha; and 17) Sacred fig tree, the Bodhi tree of Gautama Buddha.
3. To analyze the Bodhi trees in Buddhavaṃsa, the analysis is structured around eight key points. 1) Buddhist importance: according to the Buddhavaṃsa, 17 trees are recognized as the sites of the Buddha's enlightenment, as they hold significance as the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment and discovered the Four Noble Truths. 2) The Bodhi trees are recognized as symbols of enlightenment, the discovery of truth, and spiritual awakening.
   3) Symbolic meaning: the Bodhi trees are recognized as symbols of Buddhism, reflecting the importance of trees in terms of places of the Buddha’s enlightenment and auspicious trees of Buddhists. 4) Endurance: Bodhi trees are the symbol of endurance against obstacles and demons. 5) Bodhi trees represent the relationship between nature and communication with nature. This is a consideration of the Bodhi trees' roles in shaping a profound dynamic between man and nature. 6) Bodhi trees are the symbol of prosperity of the Buddha's enlightened wisdom, likened to a seed and a tree that grows and provides shade. 7) Impact on Buddhists: Budhi trees positively impact their mental perspectives, beliefs, ceremonies, and cultures. 8) Philosophical aspects: Bodhi trees are regarded as a supporter of wisdom, a guide to enlightenment, and a symbol of perseverance, leading to the highest spiritual attainment.