The value of trees
Trees are like our children. Like children, we raise a tree right from the seed-stage to a full-grown tree. Trees do not talk back to us, the place we plant them, they grow in that place. When the trunk is tender, we can shape it to grow in any way we choose. Trees accept everything we do to them, yet they continue giving - in the form of life-giving oxygen, fruits, some are of medicinal value. They also add great beauty to our environment.
Leaves of certain plants, for example, a banana leaf gives us a lot of nutrients when we use it as our plate. In our tradition, especially during festivals and weddings, we eat freshly prepared hot food off a banana leaf. The heat from the food helps release nutrients from the banana leaf which then mixes with the food we consume. Our ancestors were very intelligent. We continue this tradition even to this day. If we realize the value of one leaf, then imagine the value of the whole tree. From the bark and flowers of plants and trees, a variety of medicines can be made. Each tree is endowed with a special power. Just as we cannot tell what type of snake lives in a particular anthill just looking at it, we cannot say what power is there in which tree. That knowledge is in existence. The basic requirement to get that knowledge is to respect Nature and not harm it in any way.
There are certain trees, whose air and shade has an effect on our hunger if we sit under them for long periods of time. We may feel less hungry. The peepal tree is an example. This is the tree under which Lord Buddha sat. Perhaps, this nourishing property of this tree helped him sit for long periods of time without food or water. Trees have many such unique properties. They were known to sadhus, sannyasins, and rishis of ancient times. They lived in forests and depended on such knowledge for their existence. In turn, they respected Nature and worshipped Mother Nature.
In the olden days, children used to learn under the shade of trees in a Gurukul type of setting. The rishis who taught children took full responsibility for the care and education. When children grow up in such surroundings, it is natural that they would come to love Nature. Not just education, but the elders of the community also sat under trees to discuss various topics. Trees have the power to remove negativity from us and will fill us with positivity. Try to sit under a shade of a tree in a peaceful setting, and you will surely feel peaceful, uplifted, and energetic. As a basic rule, if someone cuts one tree, they should compulsorily plant 5-10 trees to maintain harmony and balance in Nature.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
September 1, 2019
Annapurneshwari Temple
KHM Block
Opposite RT Nagar Post Office
Bengaluru
Leaves of certain plants, for example, a banana leaf gives us a lot of nutrients when we use it as our plate. In our tradition, especially during festivals and weddings, we eat freshly prepared hot food off a banana leaf. The heat from the food helps release nutrients from the banana leaf which then mixes with the food we consume. Our ancestors were very intelligent. We continue this tradition even to this day. If we realize the value of one leaf, then imagine the value of the whole tree. From the bark and flowers of plants and trees, a variety of medicines can be made. Each tree is endowed with a special power. Just as we cannot tell what type of snake lives in a particular anthill just looking at it, we cannot say what power is there in which tree. That knowledge is in existence. The basic requirement to get that knowledge is to respect Nature and not harm it in any way.
There are certain trees, whose air and shade has an effect on our hunger if we sit under them for long periods of time. We may feel less hungry. The peepal tree is an example. This is the tree under which Lord Buddha sat. Perhaps, this nourishing property of this tree helped him sit for long periods of time without food or water. Trees have many such unique properties. They were known to sadhus, sannyasins, and rishis of ancient times. They lived in forests and depended on such knowledge for their existence. In turn, they respected Nature and worshipped Mother Nature.
In the olden days, children used to learn under the shade of trees in a Gurukul type of setting. The rishis who taught children took full responsibility for the care and education. When children grow up in such surroundings, it is natural that they would come to love Nature. Not just education, but the elders of the community also sat under trees to discuss various topics. Trees have the power to remove negativity from us and will fill us with positivity. Try to sit under a shade of a tree in a peaceful setting, and you will surely feel peaceful, uplifted, and energetic. As a basic rule, if someone cuts one tree, they should compulsorily plant 5-10 trees to maintain harmony and balance in Nature.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
September 1, 2019
Annapurneshwari Temple
KHM Block
Opposite RT Nagar Post Office
Bengaluru
