The sacred connection and tradition surrounding trees
Published on: Sunday, August 04, 2024
By: Dr T Selva
TREES hold a special place in many cultures, where they are considered sacred due to a tapestry of cultural, religious, ecological, and spiritual beliefs woven into the fabric of tradition.
In Hindu scriptures, trees are frequently associated with various deities and are revered for their divine qualities.
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They symbolise life, growth, fertility, and immortality, mirroring the human life cycle and the broader cosmos.
In light of recent actions by local councils to cut down trees deemed dangerous after tragic incidents of falling trees during thunderstorms, this week’s column focuses on trees’ significance and place in our communities.
While safety is paramount, it is crucial to balance the ecological and spiritual value that trees bring to our lives.
Certain trees are considered the abodes of specific deities. For instance, the Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) is often worshipped with Lord Vishnu, while the Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is linked to Lord Shiva.
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Many trees are linked to mythological stories and legends.
The mystical Kalpavriksha, or wish-fulfilling tree, is a mythological tree mentioned in Hindu scriptures that is believed to fulfil any desire. In Vasthu Sastra, the tree is the symbol of prosperity and well-being.
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They play a crucial role in various rituals and festivals, and married women worship the Banyan tree to ensure the long life of their husbands.
Trees are vital for sustaining life and maintaining environmental balance, which is crucial for human survival.
They provide oxygen, shelter, and food, which are ecologically important.
Vasthu Sastra emphasises living in harmony with nature, and the holy status of trees encourages conservation and environmental protection.
Trees are seen as symbols of spiritual growth and enlightenment, and their roots, trunks, and branches symbolise stability, development, and connectivity with the divine.
Hundreds of people meditate daily under the Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in India. (Pic: T Selva)
Many cultures believe that trees possess healing energies and this is why many people hug trees to ease their stress. Trees are thought to absorb negative energies and provide positive, healing energies in return.
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan celebrates cherry blossoms’ beauty and transient nature. Trees like the Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa) are revered as enlightenment sites. Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.
I have had a blissful experience of sitting and meditating under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
This sacred tree offers a profound sense of peace and enlightenment to the hundreds of people who visit daily to seek spiritual awakening.
Most villages in India have a central tree that serves as a communal meeting point, fostering social bonds.
They are integral to various cultural and social practices, reflecting the interconnectedness of humans and nature.
In spiritual teachings, trees are seen as embodiments of patience, resilience, and selflessness. They offer shade and fruits without expecting anything in return, teaching critical moral values.
They encourage compassion and empathy towards all living beings, promoting a worldview that values coexistence and respect for life.
The indiscriminate cutting down of trees is considered an inauspicious act because they are seen as life-giving entities.
However, if they need to be removed, performing a ritual or prayer to seek forgiveness from the tree and the deities and acknowledge the tree’s importance and the life it supports is vital.
A favourable day based on the Hindu calendar must be selected to ensure the activity is conducted smoothly, and a prayer for Lord Ganesha should be performed. It is important to seek forgiveness before cutting down a tree by explaining the necessity of the act. The ritual includes circumambulating the tree three times to show respect.
Offerings such as water, flowers, rice, incense, and fruits are placed at the tree’s base, and specific mantras acknowledgement of the tree’s power, and divine nature and a prayer for peace are recited.
It is recommended to verbally express regret for cutting the tree, acknowledging its contribution to the environment and the lives it supports.
Also, clearly state the reason for cutting the tree, whether for construction, safety, or other necessary purposes.
Planting new trees to replace the one cut is customary, symbolising renewal and respect for nature.
And don’t forget to offer a thanksgiving prayer of gratitude to the tree and the deities for their understanding and blessings. This is because they are often believed to listen to prayers and intentions.
Trees “listening” can encourage people to be more mindful of their actions and words in nature, promoting environmental consciousness and respect for living beings.
Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestseller books Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at [email protected]. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra
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