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 Coconut Tree

Hari OM. I am Coconut, also known as Tree of Life, Tree of Heaven, Tree of Abundance and Kalpavriksh. In Sanskrit I am known as Narikela Tree. My botanical name is Cocos nucifera and C. nucifera for short. I am known especially for my coconut water that soothes everyone in summer. I have a lovely family called Arecaceae with 181 genera and about 2,600 species. We are native to Southeast Asia. We are evergreen trees. We grow at a moderate rate, our height ranges between 60 to 80 feet. We are tolerant to climatic conditions between 30 to 35 degree Celsius. My family and I can live up to 100 years.

To explain my importance further I will introduce you to my Top 7 benefits:

1. My Health Benefits from Root to Fruit: I bring a multitude of health benefits, from pain relief to improving the health of the heart, and even aiding in inflammation management and cancer prevention. Additionally, my skincare benefits are noteworthy. Beyond my fruit, I offer a diverse range of health-promoting products, including creamy coconut milk, hydrating coconut water, and versatile coconut oil. Rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, I boost the metabolism and provide a quick source of energy. My coconut oil is renowned for its weight management properties, making me not just delicious but also a nutritious addition to your diet.
2. My Economic Potential: My coconuts are more than just tasty treats and thirst quenchers; they are economic powerhouses. From my coconut oil for cooking and skincare to husk fibre in textiles and shells in handicrafts, every part is valuable. My coconut water is a popular beverages and my milk a culinary ingredient. Cultivating coconut trees supports livelihoods and sustainable development in regions where they grow. I play a role in diverse economic sectors.
3. My Environmental Support: As a coconut tree, I am a biodiversity haven, providing habitat for wildlife. My robust root system combats soil erosion and stabilizes coastlines against storms. Thriving in sandy and salty conditions, I aid in coastal reforestation, bolstering ecosystem resilience and carbon sequestration. Proudly, I contribute to environmental health and balance.
4. My Scrumptiousness: In South Indian cuisine, I am the star ingredient in dishes like sambar, rasam, coconut chutney, fish curry, and payasam, showcasing my versatility and flavour-enhancing properties. Internationally, I am celebrated in Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, Latin American and Middle Eastern cuisines, adding tropical flair and sweetness to various dishes.
5. My Zero Waste Approach: You can do a zero-waste usage of me, which exists since ancient times, the water was drunk, the fruit consumed, husks used for fuel or fermentation, shells as utensils. Today, my oil is used for hair and skincare, my milk in food and leaves for roofing. Eventually, you can say every part of mine is utilized, reflecting a zero-waste approach and a golden opportunity for you to promote eco-friendliness via me.
6. My Cultural Essence: I am part in many cultures worldwide. In the Philippines, I am called the ‘tree of life’ because I am so useful. Sri Lankans use a lot of my coconut milk and oil in their cooking. In places like Polynesia, I am seen as a sign of good luck and success. And in India, I am part of many religious ceremonies. Everywhere from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, I am not just food, I am also used to make things and have special meaning in people’s lives.
7. My Connection with God: In Hinduism and spirituality, I, the Coconut Tree, hold profound significance. Legend has it that when Lord Vishnu descended to Earth, he brought three divine entities: Goddess Lakshmi, the Kamadhenu cow, and me, the Coconut Tree. Representing the essence of both Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi, my sacred coconut is often referred to as Shriphal, symbolizing the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Devotees treat the coconut as an object of worship, seeking blessings from the trinity. The three dots on my surface symbolize the three eyes of Lord Shiva, and some believe that my kernel represents Devi Parvati, my water signifies Ganga, and my shell represents Lord Kartikeya. Additionally, I hold special significance to Lord Ganesha, gifted by his father, Lord Shiva, marking my unique origin. Mentioned in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, the Matsya, Agni and Brahma Puranas, and Buddhist Jataka stories, my importance weaves through the fabric of religious narratives and spiritual practices.

So my amazing friends, I am glad that my friend Prasiddhi gave me the opportunity to connect with all of you, I am sad to share that people are starting to forget me and my importance. So please think of me and my family.

Sankalpa – Be Good

So that was the Coconut Tree sharing about its economic, environmental, sacred, cultural essence, and of course its health benefits. I hope you had a mind-boggling time while reading about the Coconut Tree. While understanding about how useful and beneficial the Coconut Tree is, I also realized that the Coconut Tree being, a remarkable tree, holds a deep association with Be Good. Here are two great examples:

1. It is said that the coconut shell represents ego, the soft pulpy part is the human heart, and the water symbolizes purity. Therefore, breaking a coconut shell symbolizes breaking our ego. It reminds us that ego stops us from embracing the goodness all around us. Therefore, it inspires us to get rid of ignorance and embrace a way to be good which will lead us to purity in heart, mind and soul.
2. Just as the Coconut Tree generously offers its bounty to all, embodying kindness and generosity, most importantly goodness, we too can strive to spread goodness in the lives of others, enriching our communities by being good with acts of kind- ness, compassion and goodwill.

In this way, the Coconut Tree inspires us to bloom brightly spreading the essence of goodness wherever we go to create a happier, better world for ourselves and the future generations.

Creative Vriksh

This is a special segment to share an extract of the entire article but in a creative way.

This time it is a Haiku (traditional Japanese poetry form, 3 lines with 5-7-5 syllables respectively, often nature-themed, evoking simplicity and depth). This haiku aims at capturing the essence of the coconut as a symbol of goodness in nature.

Cradled in green palms, Coconut whispers goodness, Nature’s gift of peace.

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, Bael, Peepal and Ashoka Trees. To help you, here are some questions for you to check how well you understand the importance of the Coconut Tree and its sankalpa to BE GOOD 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:

• Did I plant, water or take care of a tree?
• Did I talk about the environment to friends and neighbours?
• Have I been practising BEING GOOD to live a yogic- sustainable lifestyle?
• Have I told three people about the importance of the Coconut Tree or Being Good?
• Have I started to include the Coconut Tree or any of its product in my food?
• Have I started to include the Coconut Tree in my cultural tradition or lifestyle?