Australian quarantine is nursing a sacred sapling from a Sri Lankan bohdi tree that can be directly linked back to Buddha more than 2,300 years ago.
Key points:
- Sapling from the famous bodhi tree in Sri Lanka is currently in Australian quarantine waiting to be planted in Bendigo
- The specimen is a direct descendent of the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment
- That tree is the oldest tree known to have been planted by humans some 2,300 years ago
It is the oldest living tree with a known planting date.
The sapling will sit in Australian quarantine for 12 months and, eventually, will be planted at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Victoria.
Chair of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Ian Green, said once the sapling was planted, Bendigo would become a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world.
“To have that connection with history is very unusual and inspiring, and it brings the whole story of the Buddha to life,” Mr Green said.
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