Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Seven, Under the Rajayatana Tree

The Buddha is said to have taken 7 weeks to become fully Enlightened, weeks which he spent meditating and reflecting under and around the Bodhi Tree. 

In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. In doing so we'll meet a whole array of archetypal symbols which are represented in historical and semi-historical incidents. These symbols are not to be taken literally. They are not literally true but like all myth, they contain deep truths which can help us in our own lives.

The Buddha is now fully enlightened, all that remains is for him to go out into the world and teach the Dharma. He is preparing himself to leave and deciding where to go when two passing merchants chance upon him. The experience of seeing him stops them in their tracks. They are deeply moved by the blissful state which radiates from him. Both suddenly feel full of deep devotion and feel the need to make an offering of rice and honey - the first ever offering. At this, the earth shakes and the Four Great Kings appear, concerned that the Buddha has no bowl with which to receive the rice.

So here we are in myth again. Four Great Kings bringing four stone bowls which merge into one enormous bowl. The Buddha giving the merchants a gift of 8 hairs to take away and finally, the Buddha considering who he should teach when he leaves the forest. Shakyapada ends this series with an exploration of the symbolism of the final week
 

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