Bodhi

Bodhi is a Hindu name, from the Sanskrit Bodhi (बोधि) meaning “awakened, enlightened”. It’s actually an abstract Buddhist concept referring to a Buddha and his follower’s awareness and understanding of the nature of the universe, and the specific spiritual awakening attained by such knowledge. The Buddhist belief system sees the interdependencies of the universe and believes in the karmic existence and suffering of people in the material world (as represented through birth and rebirth). The notion of Bodhi is about one’s liberation from the perpetual cycle of reincarnation and the termination of karmic sufferings through one’s awakening (or enlightenment). It may be best described as the total absence of ego and self-centeredness. In Buddhist tradition, underneath the sacred Bodhi Tree in India is where Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha (the founder of Buddhism circa the 5th century B.C.) is said to have achieved bodhi (perfect enlightenment) after nearly 50 days of meditation. In other words, it’s the achievement of Nirvana. Buddha’s awakening is characterized by his insight into his past lives, his insights into karma and reincarnation and his knowledge of the “Four Noble Truths”: 1) insight into the truth of dukkha (suffering, dissatisfaction); 2) insight into the origins of dukkha (cravings, ignorance); 3) insight into the cessation of dukkha (liberation from suffering and desires); and, finally, 4) insight into the path of truth. Once bodhi is achieved, reincarnation ceases and the karmic journey ends at Nirvana. Of course Buddhism is a highly abstract and complex spiritual belief system which splinters in various directions but, in general, this is the abridged version of the concept of bodhi. It’s about liberation, pure knowledge and complete enlightenment. Buddhism believes the final and pure state of bodhi lies within us all; it does not discriminate (a claim not many “religions” can make). Bodhi is indeed a lovely notion and a fine aspiration for all Homo sapiens.