Some of the highest meritorious activities which prepares the conducive environment for attaining Nibbana (both in this life and in future lives) are as follows:
- Helping in the construction of Stupas/Chaityas/Pagodas which contains the relics of a Samma Sambuddha.
- Worshipping the relics of a Samma Sambuddha.
- Worshipping the Maha Bodhi Tree (Bodhi Puja).
- Worshipping the Supreme Qualities of Buddha-Dhamma-Sangha (Buddha Puja).
- Providing the 4 basic necessities (food, robes, medicines, shelter) to a Pacceka Buddha.
- Providing the 4 basic necessities (food, robes, medicines, shelter) to a Samma Sambuddha.
- Providing the 4 basic necessities (food, robes, medicines, shelter) to the Maha Sangha.
There are other meritorious deeds too, but these are the highest vipaka bringing merits. If you do these wholesome meritorious deeds with the aim of achieving Nibbana and with great joy in your heart, then the strength of the merits will be MAXIMUM.
The special value of Lord Buddha’s relics and the Maha Bodhi Tree:
The relics of Lord Buddha CAN NOT be destroyed by anything or anyone in this universe. It has a special energy associated with it. It is the purest matter in the universe !!! There are many other special features about it which are known only to a Samma Sambuddha.
The Maha Bodhi Tree is the most exceptional tree in the entire existence. Actually from our physical eyes we can only see the physical aspect. But the Maha Bodhi Tree has an unfathomable non-physical aspect to it. It’s not just a tree but it is the focal point of the immeasurable Buddha Shakti (Pure Buddha Energy) !!! This special energy is still present even today. The Maha Bodhi Tree was born as a result of the accumulated Paramita Powers of the Bodhisattva. A Bodhisattva can attain Buddhahood ONLY sitting under the Maha Bodhi Tree, there is no other place on Earth where it can happen. So it’s a very special place. The Mara Devaputta with all his mighty armies couldn’t even come near the Bodhi mandala (peripheral zone of the Bodhi Tree). We can’t even explain the special qualities of the Maha Bodhi Tree, it can be known only to a Samma Sambuddha.
You will be surprised but the original Bodhi Tree is not in India. It is actually in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka where the Bodhisattva attained Samma Sambodhi. It is known as “Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi”.
May all sentient beings develop unshakable faith in the Buddha-Dhamma-Sangha and achieve the supreme bliss of Nibbana !!!
