Bodhi Tree Stands at LMU as Visible Symbol of Sacred Connection

On a bright, sunny afternoon in Lawton Plaza, a modest crowd of students, faculty, members of the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, and community guests across all age groups, welcomed a sacred Bodhi tree to its new home on Loyola Marymount University's campus. Attendees were offered refreshments from Tara's Himalayan Cuisine, allowing the celebration to continue in a spirit of fellowship and shared reflection. The ceremony emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue on LMU's campus with speakers from various faith traditions.

The Feb. 6, 2026, event opened with chanting from senior priest of the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, Rev. Kory Quon, creating a reflective atmosphere on the plaza. Roughly 2,500 years ago, Siddartha Gautama, the Buddha, gained enlightenment while meditating beneath a Bodhi tree, signifying the birth of Buddhism. The tree was gifted to LMU by the temple in December 2023, beginning its new chapter on campus.

Eric Swanson, Ph.D., assistant professor of theological studies, shared Buddhist scripture, and emphasized awakening, calling people to find peace and understanding in the world so we can share compassion.

Anna Harrsion, Ph.D., professor and chair of Theological Studies, highlighted LMU's commitment to interfaith dialogue and mutual respect, describing the various sacred objects on campus that honor different traditions and religions. The Bodhi tree now stands on LMU's campus as another visible symbol of sacred connection across traditions.

A plaque in front of the tree explains its spiritual significance and the partnership behind its presence on campus. The newly consecrated tree embodies the Buddhist teaching, pratityasamutpada, or Dependent Origination, the belief that none of us are alone. The tree serves as a reminder of the relationship between LMU and the temple, strengthened through many student excursions facilitated by Arik Greenberg, Ph.D., of theological studies, and a symbol of Buddhist-Catholic dialogue, grounded in mutual respect and shared commitments to peace.

The Bodhi tree also reinforces the idea of awakening. A testament to dialogue and a symbol that in a world often divided by difference, shared reflection can take root and flourish.

As an art history student who has learned about Buddhism mainly through sculpture, iconography and classroom discussion, seeing the Bodhi tree in person brought these lectures to life. The ceremony converted academic knowledge into lived experience, bridging study and reality grounding and memorable way.