Happy Bodhi Day 2009

This is the first year I’ve truly celebrated Bodhi Day. In the past I’ve meditated some extra time and made sure to use a bit more mindfulness for the day, but I wanted to step it up this year and have some fun with my kids. So my son Alex and I decorated this here tree. (yes it’s not a “true” Bodhi Tree but it does the trick right?)

I had him trace and cut out a star for the top, we put three bulbs on it (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), put the multi-color lights and strung some “interconnected” beads. It a simple task but fun and I was able to ask any questions he had, and he had plenty of them. Why did Buddha sit under the tree (note in the photo I have a little Buddha bust, under the tree), what do you mean he was enlightened, what does Bodhi Day mean, etc… Those are some of the questions he asked and I tried as best to simplify, he’s only 6.

All in all, it was fun and we are ready for Bodhi Day. He even wants to try meditating with me again. I had tried to get him into it (meditating) before but didn’t push it and he stopped asking. He is starting to ask again though so we’ll see how this round goes.

Anyway I hope you all have a great day and please enjoy each other this holiday season!