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Join us for a special blessing ceremony of the Gallery’s Bodhi Tree, to celebrate the Buddha’s Birthday 2023. Everyone is welcome!

GOMA’s Bodhi tree has direct lineage to the tree in India under which Siddharta Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. On Buddha’s Birthday in 2008, artist Lee Mingwei planted a cutting from the descendant of the original tree on the terrace outside GOMA.

The Bodhi Tree, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, is the oldest depicted tree in Indian art and literature and is described as the mythical 'Tree of Life'.

Arrive early (from 10.00am) to attend To Burn, Forest, Fire: Daily Incense Ceremony, prior to the commencement of the Blessing.

This program is presented in conjunction with Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple (founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun), the Buddha's Light International Association of Queensland, and The Australian Centre of Asia Pacific Art (ACAPA), the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art's Asian and Pacific research and publishing arm.