20/04/2026
🌱 A Sacred Gift of Peace: The Bodhi Tree Comes to the United States - We are filled with deep gratitude as we look back at this meaningful photo from August 2025, capturing the moment Venerable Ratanaguṇa and Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra traveled to Sri Lanka to receive a sacred Bodhi tree sapling.
This sapling comes from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which originated from a branch of the original Bodhi Tree—the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Government of Sri Lanka and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Society generously offered this sacred lineage to be planted at Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavānā Center in the United States, where it will grow for generations to come.
Since August 2025, this precious sapling has been patiently waiting in Sri Lanka. Now, our venerable monks, during the Walk for Peace journey in Sri Lanka between April 21 and May 1, 2026, will soon bring this sapling together with the Sacred Relics of the Buddha back to our temple in Fort Worth, Texas.
This sapling carries the very same essence as our Walk for Peace: a living symbol of peace, wisdom, loving-kindness, compassion, and harmony. It connects ancient wisdom to the present moment, reminding us that peace is timeless and universal. Just as this tree will grow from ancient roots into new soil, may the peace we cultivate together take root deeply in every heart and community.
We are profoundly grateful to the people and government of Sri Lanka for entrusting us with these precious gifts. We await with joyful hearts the day we welcome these sacred symbols home.
May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏✨