Celebrated on December 8 by Mahayana Buddhists in Asia and the United States, Bodhi Day (Enlightenment Day) commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

Siddhartha, who would later become the Buddha, was an Indian prince. When he was 29 he left his home, family, and possessions to discover the meaning of life. After six years of seeking worthy teachers and not finding any answers, Siddhartha sat down under a Bodhi tree, vowing not to rise until he had solved the puzzle of life.

Through meditation, Siddhartha reached complete understanding. After that he was referred to as the Buddha, which means the Enlightened One. His realizations about life and the nature of suffering became what the modern world calls Buddhism. For the next 45 years, until his death, Buddha taught people about the wisdom he had discovered so that they might become enlightened as well.

Buddhists observe Bodhi Day in a variety of ways. Many Buddhists take vegetarian foods, flowers and candles to the temple. There they spend time praying, meditating, and listening to teachings. In some places, there is also a ceremonial washing of the Buddha statue. While at the temple, Buddhists often make donations so the clergy can buy incense and do good deeds.