In the middle of the dark-tiled presidential lobby of the Texas Union, a multi-colored tree trunk stretches toward the vaulted ceiling and sunlight filters through a canopy of bright green heart-shaped leaves. The tree, nicknamed "Big Boy," is the result of a rigorous five-month long selection process to commemorate the Dalai Lama's visit to campus in September.
The Bodhi tree, known as the Tree of Awakening, is significant to Buddhists because the religion's founder Shakyamuni Buddha is thought to have reached enlightenment under a Bodhi Tree. "Big Boy" was a hand-picked, 12-and-a-half-foot tall Bodhi tree grown in Florida purchased through University donations.
The Dalai Lama's visit a few weeks ago deserved a symbol of recognition after its planning of two-and-a-half years, said Patricia Teed, the Union's assistant director for administrative services.
After his speech, the Dalai Lama returned to campus on Sept. 21 to view the Bodhi tree dedicated to his visit. He placed a white scarf, known as a khata, at the base of the tree, symbolizing greeting and good fortune. Teed clarified that the tree is "not religious by any means, but everyone seems to enjoy it."
The idea for the Bodhi tree initially sprung from Vijay Mahajan, a marketing professor, who said he had wanted to plant a commemorative tree for the Dalai Lama on UT's campus. But the University worried over the upkeep of an outdoor commemorative tree, Teed said. Union Director Andy Smith then encouraged the University to have an indoor tree, spurring on the search for the Bodhi tree.
As part of the search, Teed said that she went through dried leaf samples and pictures of Bodhi trees, some growing as far away as Hawaii.
"Big Boy" arrived from Florida in April and was tended to in a Texas nursery. The nursery barely held the 12-and-a-half foot tree, thus causing some of the green leaves to gain brown sun spots. When the Dalai Lama came to see the tree, he chuckled over some of those defected spots high up in the tree. The Bodhi tree can only grow indoors in Texas because the tree cannot take the region's sudden climate changes. Also, the trees can be contained from growing too large, making the tree more appealing to Teed and her team.
The South Asia Institute at UT feels that the commemorative Bodhi Tree is a positive addition to the lobby.
"It signifies a greater interest in South Asia that the University of Texas is developing," said James Brow, director of the South Asia Institute.
The tree's roots are contained to keep it from growing too large. The tree receives weekly seaweed solutions to keep it healthy. Lights which mimic sunlight provide the tree with a climate similar to its native India.
The bench surrounding the tree allows students and viewers alike to sit and enjoy the new atmosphere. While sitting on the dark green cushions of the bench, J.C. Choe, biology senior, carefully examined the tall, detailed branches.
She feels that the serenity of the lobby speaks to the peace advocated by the Dalai Lama.
"The tree is now spreading the message of the Dalai Lama," Choe said.
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