the tree of life sangha

the tree of life in buddhism 3

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

The Tree of Life is used in art, literature, and religion to illustrate the concept of interconnectedness within our universe. It is a timeless symbol of our connections to everything around us, and a powerful reminder that our own happiness and health are inextricably intertwined with the happiness and health of all living things. The Tree of Life appears in many different cultures under many different names, but here is a look at three defining features of this legendary icon:

1. Leaves

The individual leaves depicted on the Tree of Life represent the uniqueness of all earthly creations, including ourselves. Like the leaves of a tree, we are all different shapes, colors, and textures, yet the Tree of Life reminds us that we can coexist peacefully.

2. Branches

The branches reaching outwards represent our human need for expression- in arts, science, and spirituality, among other outlets. In this way, the Tree of Life is also symbolic of our potential to improve and expand our notions of the human condition through compassionate action (literally reaching out our hands and arms).

3. Trunk/Roots

Above all else, the trunk and roots are the anchoring image of the Tree of Life. The solid trunk is a symbol of strength, a place we can always return and remember what we are made of, while the roots remind us not only where we originate and to stay grounded, but also imply that our actions in this life have deep meaning, even if we cannot see it right away.

The Tree of Life can also serve simply as a sign of inner strength in all that you do.

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the tree of life - symbolism

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.

tree of life in buddhism 2

The Bo tree, also called Bodhi tree, according to Buddhist tradition, is the pipal (Ficus religiosa) under which the Buddha sat when he attained Enlightenment (Bodhi) at Bodh Gaya (near Gaya, west-central Bihar state, India). A living pipal at Anuradhapura, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), is said to have grown from a cutting from the Bo tree sent to that city by King Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.^[13]

According to Tibetan tradition when Buddha went to the holy Lake Manasorovar along with 500 monks, he took with him the energy of Prayaga Raj. Upon his arrival, he installed the energy of Prayaga Raj near Lake Manasorovar, at a place now known as Prayang. Then he planted the seed of this eternal banyan tree next to Mt. Kailash on a mountain known as the "Palace of Medicine Buddha".^[14]

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the tree of life in buddhism

Kalpavriksha: In Buddhism a small wish granting tree is depicted decorating the upper part of the "long-life vase" held by "longevity deities" like Amitayus and Ushnishavijaya. The goddess Shramana devi holds jeweled branch of Kalpavriksha in her left hand^[3]

Worship of the Nyagrodha tree as a form of non-human worship is depicted in a Buddhist sculpture at Besnagar.^[9]This sculpture in Besnagar, also known as Vidisa (Bhilsa), is dated to third century BC and is exhibited in the Calcutta Museum.^[10]

In Myanmar, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced, the significance of the Kalpavriksha is in the form of an annual ritual known as Kathina (presenting a robe) in which the laity present gifts to the monks in the form of money trees.^[11]At the kingdom of Ketumati's front gates, it is thought four Kalpavrikshas will spring up from the Earth and provide enough valuables to satisfy all of Jambudvīpa for years.^[12]

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