WANDER around the Penang Buddhist Association (PBA) along Anson Road and, without too much difficulty, you would be aware of Buddhist names on road signs in the vicinity like Bodhi Avenue, Nirvana Road and Dharma Road.

The PBA houses a Buddhist temple, and like others, it has a Bodhi tree gracing its garden. The significance of this non-native species in Buddhist iconography is usually lost to non-Buddhists or the unaware.

The Bodhi tree is a type of banyan fig with the botanical name Ficus religiosa, a species of fig in the Moraceae family. It is one of the oldest trees in the world (the common fig tree is the first plant cited in the Bible!) with a rich history and significance to human civilisation. It is native to the regions of South Asia, Southwest China and Indochina and is easily recognisable by its distinct heart-shaped leaves.

The Bodhi tree is considered sacred by the followers of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Hence the name "Sacred Fig" was given to it. It is said that more than 24 centuries ago, Siddhartha Gautama was meditating underneath such a tree when he attained englightenment at the 49th day.

In early Buddhist art, before the image of Buddha was used, the image of the Bodhi tree was one of the symbols used to represent him. Also known as Bo, the tree became an emblem of Buddha's presence and became an object of worship. Thus, it is a well-known symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity and good luck.

References

• Buddhist Studies: Bodhi Tree (BuddhaNet)
• Bodhi Tree, Bodhgaya (Sacred Destinations)
• Penang Buddhist Association (Penang TravelTips)

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