The Legend of the Bodhi Tree (Thoon Pohl)
I’ve been to Wat Lao Buddhavong of Washington DC several times prior to their Juy 4th concert of this year. Before we left on Sunday, my dad took me to the glass house to take photos of the Bodhi tree, or known to Lao people as Thoon Pohl. I’ve never seen one in real life before, but only seen in photos or ones that are made out of silver or gold decorative papers, which most would refer to as Thoon Pohl Ngen, Pohl Thong (Silver and Gold Bodhi Tree).
Wat Lao Thoon Pohl is somewhat tall, it has reached the top of the glass house; my dad said that they’re planning to extend the top of the glass house because there is no more room for it to grow. Underneath Thoon Pohl sat a Buddha statue and I could see old, burned incenses that people use for worshiping. I don’t think any of my sisters saw Thoon Pohl; I was the only lucky one because my dad knew I had the camera and would write a story about it. If you’re in the area, don’t forget to stop by, Thoon Pohl is behind the temple near the lily pond.
Ajarn Maha Bounmy, and Ajarn Chandaphone take a pilgrimage trip to Bodhgaya, India every year and take with them about 20 followers, mostly older Buddhist worshipers. It is the holiest site in the Buddhist world and an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination in the world. It is believed that the Buddha was enlightened under the Bodhi tree.
According to some legends, Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree for six years, and others six days, one would never know the truth. A six-year trance is hard for me to believe but a six-day trance I can easily believe that he could do. The Mahabodhi Temple and adjacent Bodhi tree marks the spot where the Buddha achieved enlightenment and set out on his life of preaching. Monks and worshipers come from around the world to meditate, worship, and study.
Better hurry up and send me your Meal submission as time is running out. 
I was just at a Lao temple in northern California recently and took a picture of the Bo tree too. It is said that only the "lucky" one get to see the tree for themselves. :) Not only is this a spiritual tree, but it has medicinal values too. From the roots to the bark and the leaves. It is called by many naems, such as Bodhi, sacred fig, and pipal tree. It's leaves have been represented in ancient Indian history as well. Also seen in some Roman Catholic artwork.
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