BODHI GARAYA Construction Initiated

Among the essential elements that should be present in a Buddhist Temple, the Bodhi Tree has historically been considered indispensable in Buddhism. In line with this need and tradition, the Bodhi branch planted at the Samadhi Vihara in 2019 brings peace of mind to devotees and reminds them of the living Buddha and his path to enlightenment. The Samadhi Buddhist Trust builds a sophisticated permanent greenhouse structure, namely Bodhigharaya in Sanskrit (pronounced BOH-dee-gah-rah), to support the growth and establishment of the Bodhi tree.

The Bodhi Tree is a symbolic representation of the living Buddha. In the past, whenever the Lord Buddha was not present at a monastery, the devotees sought something appropriate from the Buddha to worship. As a response, Lord Buddha requested that a branch of the Bodhi Tree, which had helped him achieve enlightenment, be planted on monastery grounds for the benefit of those devotees to pay homage. This was mentioned by the Buddha to the Chief Preceptor, Ananda Thero, to ensure that such an act was carried out. Since then, in every monastery, a Bodhi Tree has been planted and venerated with respect and honour, even until the present day. Sri Lankans also regularly conduct Bodhi Pujas with the intention of receiving blessings and especially give immense respect to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, located in Anuradhapura.

For the first time in New Zealand, the Bodhi Tree was introduced by a European priest. About fifty years ago, this priest brought three branches of the Bodhi Tree from India. One branch was planted at the Laos Monastery in Auckland, while the other two branches were planted at the Theravada Buddhist Monastery on Harris Road and at the Tibetan National Monastery on Bodhisattva Road. Mr. Toulay Thaivichit, the former chairman of the Laos Monastery Trust during this period, verified this fact with us. Branches of these Bodhi Trees have been then planted in several monasteries across New Zealand, including the Christchurch Samadhi Vihara and the Invercargill Thai Temple located on the South Island.

The Bodhigharaya construction project began in April 2024, with the generous support of the well-wishers of the Samadhi Buddhist Trust—a charitable organization dedicated to preserving Sri Lankan culture and enhancing the mental and spiritual well-being of the community. With their extensive monetary and volunteering efforts during the first phase of the project, we have been able to successfully complete the concrete pouring over the foundation, which will serve as the base for the proposed hexagonal greenhouse structure.  In addition, we have installed the steel structure and the roof frame, with the invaluable support from the volunteering members of our community. In the current (second) phase of the project, we aim to construct the perimeter wall atop the foundation. Afterwards, cladding and roofing will be installed to complete the proposed greenhouse structure in this phase.

To ensure timely completion and uphold the desired standards of quality, the Samadhi Buddhist Vihara relies on the generous support of devotees. Contributions from interested parties are pivotal to the success of this noble endeavour. Those willing to support this project are encouraged to contact Ven. Makuldeniye Somarathana Thero at +64 (0)22 0630568.

   

11 November 2024