What is this blog about?
Here, under the Banyan Tree, is a place of refuge. It is a refuge for healing, reflection, understanding, expansion, transformation, awakening and awareness. We will explore knowledge of the self as rooted in spiritual source. And we will include relevant stories, articles, resources and inspirations. Our ongoing life’s work involves supporting the Body-Mind-Spirit in its journey back to the the realization of wholeness & oneness. And our goal is to continue to provide greater understanding of karma and difficult life experiences with compassion, insight, wisdom and neutrality (detachment). The intention for this blog is to offer a shift in perspective and share powerful tools for life’s healing journey!
Who are we?
To learn more about us personally, please feel free to visit our business web link which details our personal biographies as well as professional services.
What does a Banyan Tree Signify?
- Banyan trees are sacred in South Asia, particularly to Hindus and Buddhists and they are featured in many myths. The tree is mentioned in scriptures as a tree of immortality. It represents eternal life because its aerial roots grow down into the soil forming additional trunks which supports its expanding canopy. These roots hang down and act as props over an ever-widening circle, reflecting the Sanskrit name bahupada, meaning ‘one with many feet’. One Tree can look like a forest, but it is all the same tree, sharing the same roots. This also reflects the idea of Unity Consciousness.
- The Banyan tree is one of the most venerated trees in India and represents the Divine Creator. It has the ability to survive and grow for centuries and is often compared to the shelter given by God to his devotees. It also symbolizes the personality of a benevolent ruler or head of family who nourishes and looks after all those under his care.
- The Rishis (Sages and Seers) often sat under the shade of this tree to seek enlightenment. It is also the place they held teachings and conducted Vedic ceremony. In Hindu mythology, the Banyan tree is called Kalpavriksha, the tree that provides fulfillment of wishes and other material gains. It symbolizes Trimurti – Lord Vishnu is believed to be the bark, Lord Brahma, the roots, and Lord Shiva, the branches.
- The Vishnu Purana compares Lord Vishnu to the seed of the banyan: just as a huge tree originates from and is contained in one little seed, the entire universe is also eventually reduced to its germ after a certain period. This germ is contained in Vishnu, who then recreates the universe. Another legend states that this tree is believed to have originally been situated in Vasuki’s garden. Amba or Mother Earth, wanted it for her children. After a fight with Vasuki and by invoking Lord Shiva’s help, Amba managed to obtain it.
- This tree is also sacred to the Buddhists. After attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha is believed to have sat under a banyan tree for seven days, absorbed in his newly found self-realization.
