Happy Bodhi Day

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Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen, originally from the Big Island of Hawaii, has lived in Tucson since 1987. She is a part time Hearing Officer in Small Claims Court and a former practicing attorney, legislative aide to US Senator Dan Inouye.

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December 8th will mark the day that Lord Shakyamuni Buddha attained Enlightenment, by meditation, sitting under a bodhi tree in India around 596 B.C.E. 

Buddhism was officially introduced into Japan in the 6th Century, then to the Kingdom of Hawaii, through people like my grandparents who emigrated there in 1892. (The Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by US backed individuals in 1893, then became the 50th state in 1959). 

Allegedly Buddha had been seriously contemplating for a long time about the suffering of the world-- old age, sickness, and death.  He sat for 8 days fasting under that bodhi tree, and finally reached enlightenment on the last day.
 
We Buddhists celebrate this day in commemoration of that auspicious day in his life, by having religious services and/or contemplating the teachings of Lord Buddha. 
 
Happy Bodhi Day on December 8th.