The Bodhi Tree Project 20th Anniversary Celebrations

Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony, GOMA, April 2010 / Photograph: J Lane, QAGOMA

Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony, GOMA, April 2010 / Photograph: J Lane, QAGOMA / View full image

When

10.15 am – 12.30 pm, Fri 24 Apr 2026
View Calendar

Where

Gallery of Modern Art, Bodhi Tree Terrace

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible

What to expect

Admission

Free

About

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bodhi Tree Project with a blessing, tea ceremony and meditative drawing activity.

The Bodhi Tree Project is a living artwork that was developed by artist Lee Mingwei in 2006 to mark GOMA’s opening. The tree grew from a sapling descended from the sacred tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The custodians of the ancient holy tree in Sri Lanka gifted the seedling to Mingwei and GOMA. Each year Venerables from Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple (Priestdale) bless the tree during a special ceremony.

This anniversary event offers a meaningful opportunity to come together in contemplation, community, and cultural exchange, celebrating two decades of shared reflection and living art.

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.

Bodhi Tree Blessing Tea Ceremony, GOMA, April 2024 / Photograph: C Callistemon, QAGOMA

Bodhi Tree Blessing Tea Ceremony, GOMA, April 2024 / Photograph: C Callistemon, QAGOMA / View full image

Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony

10.15 – 11.30am

Join us for a special blessing ceremony of the Gallery’s Bodhi Tree by representatives from the Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple. Celebrate Buddha’s Birthday and the 20th anniversary of the Bodhi Tree Project.

Welcome to Country by Turrbal Dippil.

Introduced by Chris Saines CNZM, Director QAGOMA.

Bodhi Tree Blessing Tea Ceremony, GOMA, May 2018 / Photograph: C Callistemon, QAGOMA

Bodhi Tree Blessing Tea Ceremony, GOMA, May 2018 / Photograph: C Callistemon, QAGOMA / View full image

Tea Ceremony

11.45am – 12.30pm

Witness the ritual of tea-making, guided by an experienced tea master from the Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple. Take a moment to slow down and enjoy this mindful artform under the shade of the Bodhi Tree.

Capacity limited.

Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony, GOMA, April 2021 / Photograph: C Callistemon, QAGOMA

Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony, GOMA, April 2021 / Photograph: C Callistemon, QAGOMA / View full image

Drop-in Workshop: Bodhi Tree Leaf Rubbing

11.30am – 12.30pm

Pick a fallen leaf from the ground beneath the Bodhi Tree and find a quiet spot to sit in its shade.

Using paper and a crayon, create your own leaf rubbing as a meditative memento of your experience.

Artist Lee Mingwei at the Bodhi Tree planting, GOMA, April 2008 / Photograph: N Harth, QAGOMA

Artist Lee Mingwei at the Bodhi Tree planting, GOMA, April 2008 / Photograph: N Harth, QAGOMA / View full image

Lee Mingwei's Bodhi Tree Project

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What to expect

Here’s what to expect at this event.

Everyone is welcome! Please contact events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au in advance of the program if you have any access needs or queries about the event. Find out more about Accessibility at QAGOMA and planning your visit.

Participation and content

  • During the Blessing Ceremony you will be invited to participate in the final slow walking circle to distribute rose petals around the tree. During the tea ceremony you may be invited to sample the tea supplied. Your participation is optional. You are welcome to join in by just watching and listening.
  • You are welcome to come with a friend or by yourself. Many people attend the Gallery solo.
  • You don’t have to have any prior knowledge or experience to attend, everyone is welcome. The event is suitable for audiences of all ages.

Sensory aspects

  • Speakers will use an amplified microphone.
  • Ingredients for the tea will be signposted at the event in case of allergies.
  • Background music will be played during the event.
  • Portable stools without backs will be available.
  • This event will be taking place outdoors, beneath the shade of the Bodhi Tree. Sun protective clothing, i.e. hats and sunglasses are recommended. This event will go ahead – rain or shine.
  • This event will be photographed and filmed by QAGOMA staff and the Temple Volunteers. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please advise a QAGOMA staff member on arrival.
  • We ask all attendees to be kind, respectful, and courteous to all participants, speakers and staff at this event. This program will be monitored by QAGOMA staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our attendees, speakers and staff.