Vasudeva Sri Krishna declared Himself to be Asvattha tree among trees in immortal, sacrosanct wisdom of Srimadbhagvadgita –
Asvatthaha Sarvavriksanam Devarsinam Ca Naradaha I
Gandharvanam Citrarathaha Siddhanam Kapilo Muniha II X / 26 II
Among all trees, I am Asvattha, Narada among divine sages, Citraratha among Gandharva-s and Sage Kapil among realised ones.
The Supreme Deity went on to expound cosmic mysticism with the instance of same Asvattha tree –
Urdhvamulamadhaha Sakhamasvattham Prahuravyayam I
Chhandansi Yasya Parnani Yastam Veda Sa Vedavit II XV / 1 II
They regard Asvattha as imperishable, having roots upward and branching downward with Vedas as its foliage. One who knows it in reality, is the knower of all.
He eloquently established trees to be Yogis in real sense, perpetually in the state of Samadhi sacrificing every bit of their existence every moment for the sake of all beings, directly by offering themselves as fruits, foliage, wood, Ayurvedic medicines, shelter to animals and insects while indirectly by purifying environment constantly. Indeed, trees are Mahayogi-s commanding a distinct halo of sanctity exercising their exceedingly critical role as an important member of the eco-system wherever they grow. The moment seed sprouts on earth, divine aura is immediately created that associates itself with it, continuously augments and stays with the tree throughout its existence.
Trees are divine representatives that incessantly consume themselves on multiple fronts to ensure, all beings survive and remain healthy. This self-annihilation by trees is akin to offering oblations into Yajna-Kunda absolutely selflessly, in the spirit of Nishkama Karma so that proceeds are dispensed unto those who need them most. In this Yajna, oblations are trees themselves.
Trees are wonderful Gurus too as they continuously teach us how to be philanthropic without being motivated. Trees are ultimate philanthropists as they continue providing so much even after their being uprooted and eventual demise. Every tree is in fact, like Maharshi Dadhichi who donated his bones for the cause of Dharma.
Trees are indeed, incarnation of the Supreme Provider as they feed us and animals, provide fresh air to breathe, support all other members of their eco-system and cure our diseases.
Trees are real doers for all of us without imposing themselves upon us as the real doer.
Trees silently withstand oppressive heat, tornadoes, cyclones, rains, quakes, floods etc. without uttering even a faintest cry of agony. Like Rishis and maharshis, their level of endurance is unmitigated.
Trees silently suffer when brutalised by human intervention or climatic calamity. They never ever retaliate. We must learn from trees how to minimise complaining, cribbing against anyone or anything and how to be eternally patient and tolerant.
Trees are absolutely non-discriminatory, benevolent to all irrespective of socio-economic barriers.
Trees have inspired so many poets and authors to create their best. The Daffodils by William Wordsworth, If I Were A Tree by Harindranath Chattopadhyaya etc. are some prominent examples.
Under the shade of trees, so many Yogis, rishis and maharshis have attained Moksha. Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana under a grand banyan tree, now famous as Bodhi Tree. If trees had not been Mahayogis, such accomplishments would not have been possible under their huge canopies of green foliage.
When the breeze wafts around, trees hum beautiful lullaby. Even an agitated mind is certain to fall asleep under the green of a tree.
Planting trees is an intensely noble Karma that may even earn eternal peace for departed ancestors.
Trees are meant to be loved, nourished and adored. They never take anything from us. They only provide.
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