Bodhi Bonsai

Bodhi Tree Story

Siddharta Gautama (known as Buddha) was born a prince in Lumbini, Nepal, during the 6th to 4th century B.C. His loving parents manufactured a luxurious life for him so he would see no pain and suffering.

Despite having all the riches, Siddharta found that his life did not give him long lasting happiness and fulfilment. So out of curiosity, Siddharta fled the palace to see the ‘real world’. He saw the sick, old and deceased. He was shocked by all the suffering in this world and realised that this would be his fate one day. If we have one life, we want to make it a good one. Siddharta made it his mission to find the cause of all pain and suffering in this world. He learnt from different spiritual teachers but he found the answer in none.

Towards the end of his long spiritual search, Siddharta sat under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, and entered into a deep 49 day meditation. It was here that he would ultimately find the answer.

The cause of suffering is our negative minds (greed, jealousy, deceit, malice, attachment and anger). If we get rid of these emotions, we will be happy. Positive minds of love, compassion, generosity, good ethics and patience are the true causes for happiness.

When buddha finally came to this realisation at 35 years old, and on a full moon, he became an enlightened one. He achieved a state of unconditional and long lasting happiness, free from all suffering. He stood up and gratefully thanked the tree for providing him shelter. For the rest of his life, the Buddha taught this path to anyone who wanted to be free from suffering. From then on, the tree was known as the Bodhi tree, the tree of Enlightenment.

Unfortunately the sacred Bodhi Tree has been destroyed in the early persecution of Buddhists. There are several trees that are believed to have directly come from the cuttings. These are the Mahabodhi tree in Bodh Gaya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Both in which are the some of the most spiritual and well respected sacred relics for Buddhists all over the world.

The story of Buddha, regardless of your religion or beliefs, is a story of curiosity, persistence, openness and self-love. It reminds us that sickness, death and suffering is universal to every human being and that we should always strive to be the best version of ourselves and pursue happiness while we still can. It encourages us to strengthen our positive minds and lessen our negativities to reduce our own suffering – the ultimate key to happiness.

Mirosuna has the Bodhi leaf in its logo to remind us all that we have the seed for greatness within us. With bodhicitta, we can strengthen our mindfulness practice and find more and more happiness. Our Bodhi Bonsai’s act as a daily reminder of your quest for greatness.

Plant Information

Origin: Native to Nepal, India, China and Asia

How to grow bonsai: Repot in a few years and trim big leaves to keep new leaves small

Water: Medium, when the top soil is dry, give it a good water but let it dry out in between watering

Temperature: These tropical plants like humidity, warmth and full sunlight

Life span: Reported to live for over 3000 years

Plant Family: The Moraceae – fig family

Soil: Free-draining and rich/fertilised

Shape: Known for its heart shaped leaf with an extended tip

Bonsai size: Approximately 30cm height, 10cm long and 15 cm wide depending on the shape of the pot and growth of the tree

SHIPPING

Due to quarantine restrictions, Bonsai’s can only be shipped to VIC, NSW, ACT and QLD.