Vriksh Sankalpa – Nature Our Teacher

Prasiddhi Singh

Vriksh Sankalpa – Nature Our Teacher is an eco-yogic series talking of nature, culture and learning to inspire everyone not just to think but also to act.

A lesson from the Peepal Tree

Hari Om. I am Peepal, also known as Bodhi tree, Pimple tree, Peepul tree, Peepal tree, Pipala tree (in India and Nepal). In Sanskrit I am known as Ashwattha tree. My botanical name is Ficus religiosa and F. religiosa for short. I am known for my oxygen generating efficiency. I have a huge family called Moraceae with 38 genera and about 1,100 species. We are native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina. I have been widely introduced elsewhere in Asia especially Gulf Asia and Central and South America. We are evergreen trees and are considered as perennial trees. We are fast growing trees, our height ranges between 25 to 30 metres. We are tolerant to several climatic conditions. My family and I can live up to 2,500 to 3,000 years. I originated on the Indian subcontinent.

Now let me share my Top 5 benefits:

1. Health benefits from root to fruit: I have a treasure trove of health benefits to offer. My leaves can be used to extract medicinal juice, which is useful for various ailments. They can also serve as ear drops for ear related discomfort. My bark has remarkable wound-healing properties and can help reduce inflammation. As for my roots, people chew them to prevent gum diseases and find relief from oral health problems. Additionally, my fruit acts as a natural laxative, aids digestion and provides relief from heart diseases and asthma when consumed in powdered form. These valuable properties have been harnessed in the field of Ayurveda and continue to pique the interest of modern science.
2. Economic potential: I hold vast economic potential. My leaves, bark and roots are cherished in the realms of traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and eco friendly dye production, offering opportunities for thriving markets. Beyond that, my deep rooted cultural and environmental significance fuels tourism and conservation efforts, fostering sustainable economic development and safeguarding biodiversity in the regions I inhabit. I also draw investments in urban greenery by my air-purifying and oxygen-generating qualities.
3. Environmental support: Being considered as the Tree of Life let me share with you how I support the environment. My canopy purifies the air, offering fresh oxygen 24/7. I provide shelter and sustenance to countless creatures, thus nurturing bio-diversity. As my leaves fall and decompose, they enrich the soil, fostering lush greenery. My extensive roots combat soil erosion, preserving landscapes.
4. My cultural essence: I hold a profound cultural significance that transcends boundaries and traditions. I am the symbol of  unity, community and togetherness, often the chosen gathering spot for social interactions and storytelling. You will find my presence in art, literature and folklore, where I represent themes of wisdom, growth, and the intricate interplay of life. During traditional festivals and rituals, people encircle me with threads to convey their wishes, reinforcing my role in cultural celebrations. My serene presence fosters spiritual practices, encouraging introspection and a deeper connection to the natural world and our heritage.
5. My connection with God: I hold a deep connection with the Sanatan Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. I symbolize this Trinity, with my roots representing Brahma, my trunk symbolizing Vishnu, and my branches signifying Shiva. Believed to be a divine council chamber, as detailed in texts like the Brahma Purana and the Padma Purana, I have been a refuge for Vishnu during a celestial battle. Lord Krishna himself acknowledges my importance in the Bhagavad Gita (10:26): “Among trees, I am the ashwattha.” As described by Adi Shankaracharya, I am seen  as a representation  of the  entire cosmos. Additionally, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides within me, and it was under my branches that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. References in texts like the Skanda and Brahma Puranas further underline my enduring cultural and spiritual significance, with the belief that deities inhabit every leaf, solidifying my status as a genuinely sacred and spiritually meaningful entity.

Sankalpa – MEDITATE

So that was the Peepal Tree sharing its economic, environmental, sacred, cultural essence, and of course its health benefits. I hope you had a mind boggling time while reading about the Peepal Tree. The Peepal Tree also holds a deep association with meditation. Two great examples of the Peepal’s relation with meditation can be found in our culture; for instance, Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Peepal Tree and the fact that our Hindu god’s and goddesses conducted councils under the Peepal Tree shows how valuable meditation is especially under the Peepal Tree. Let Peepal’s essence inspire us to meditate, promote kindness and work towards creating a cleaner and more compassionate world for ourselves and future generations.

The Peepal tree supported Lord Vishnu, Gautam Buddha, other saints and gods in their meditation below its branches. Meditation helps our mind, body and soul become more pure which is why I believe we should also do our best to meditate whenever possible for a happy lifestyle and positive world.

Now I will request you to please recite the pledge as you read; don’t forget to fill in the blank.

I hope you are following your Eco-Resolution Diary for the Palm, Neem, Sandalwood and Bael. To help you, here are some questions for you to check how well you understand the importance of the Peepal Tree and its sankalpa MEDITATE in your life and how well you fulfil your pledge. Remember, you should not only think but also act. This is a weekly tick box for your Eco-Resolution Diary:

1. Did I plant, water or take care of a tree?
2. Did I talk about the environment to friends and neighbours?
3. Have I been practising meditation to live a yogic-sustainable lifestyle?
4. Have I told 3 people about the importance of the Peepal Tree or meditation?
5. Did I spend enough time under the Peepal Tree every day?
6. Have I started to include the Peepal Tree in my cultural tradition or worship?