Press Release

Planting of Holy Bodhi Tree Sapling from Bodhgaya at Buddhamonthon, Nakhonpathom Province on Wisakha Bucha Day (13 May 2014)

1.H. E. Mr. Krit Garjana-Goonchorn, Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty the King and H. E. Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand are to jointly plant the sapling of Holy Bodhi tree at the southern ceremonial area of the temple of Marble Pali Canon (Tripitaka) on the auspicious occasion of Wisakha Bucha Day on 13 May 2014 at 0909 hrs.

2.The sapling of the original Holy Bodhi Tree from Bodhgaya, India was presented to His Majesty the King of Thailand during the official visit of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Thailand on 30 May 2013 as a special gift. This was for the first time in the history of bilateral relations and symbol of the shared cultural heritage of Thailand and India that such gesture was made.

3.Wisakha, which commemorates the three signal events in the life of Lord Buddha - Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away – is also known as Buddha Purnima in India. The Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple located in Bodhgaya is the exact place where Prince Siddhartha of Kapilavastu Kingdom attained enlightenment 2600 years ago and became the Lord Buddha. Due to the close association with enlightenment 'Nirvana', which is the goal of all Buddhists, the Holy Bodhi tree has great sacred significance.

4.The profound message of Lord Buddha has inspired generations of monks, scholars and pilgrims in India and Thailand. It is undoubtedly one of the most valued strands of the shared heritage of our countries. Wisakha offers to all of us an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. The plantation of sacred Bodhi Tree at the prestigious Buddhamonthon on the auspicious day Wisakha Bucha will be a symbol of peace and an inspiration of the ultimate potential that lies within us all.

***

(Bangkok – 9 May 2014)