The Bodhi Tree was a large, old sacred Fig tree which Buddha meditated under for 49 days without moving to reach enlightenment. Whilst here Mara, the Evil one tried to tempt him with visions of his beautiful daughters. During this period Siddhartha was able to see things as they truly were and discovered “The cause of suffering is greed, selfishness and stupidity”.

When Buddha stood at last, enlightened, he gazed at the tree in gratitude for the shelter, from then on it was known as the Bodhi Tree. In religious iconography, the tree is recognisable by its heart shaped leaves. Bodhi is the understanding held by a Buddha regarding the true nature of things – enlightenment or awakening.