Everything in life is connected
The Tree of Life symbol is commonly depicted as a large tree with roots that spread inward to the ground, and branches that spread outward to the sky. This represents the interconnected nature of all things in the universe; an eternal bonding of the physical realm we are rooted in and the spiritual realm. The Tree of Life serves as a reminder of our universal connection to the Mother Earth, and our dependence on her to grow and flourish.
A symbol of re-birth
The tree changes with the seasons. During autumn and winter, many trees will enter a hibernation phase and lose their leaves. Come springtime trees will slowly awaken. Tiny buds appear and grow. Similarly, our lives can experience seasons of darkness and light, death and rebirth. The Tree of Life symbol represents rebirth and new beginnings.
Family and ancestry
We often use the term ‘family tree’ in relation to our ancestry. The Tree of Life symbol represents a connection to our human family, these shared roots linking us to our past and future generations.
We appreciate our place as part of the family of our beloved planet, all her creatures of earth, sky and water, the mountains, forests and seas. May we treat all as beloved siblings.
It also symbolises our connection with the sangha - reaching forward from the beginnings and on to the future. And branches spreading wide, connecting us to the worldwide sangha in the present day. The life of a tree can be seen to symbolise the growth of family and sangha.
A symbol of personal growth
The Tree of Life symbol represents our personal development as we practice together. Just as the branches of a tree strengthen and grow upwards to the sky, we too grow stronger as we move through life. All trees begin life in the same way, yet as they grow older, they weather nature’s forces and develop in their own unique ways.
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