च्छायामन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयमातपे ।
फलान्यापि परार्थाय वृक्षाः सत्पुरुषाः इव ॥
Chhaayaam anyasya kurvanti tiShThanti svayam aatape
phalantyapi paraarthaaya vrukshaa-haa sat-puruShaa iva
“The meaning of the above shloka (written in Sanskrit) is that the trees survive with head held high at the Sun and give shades to all people. Plus, the trees provide fruits for all. In the same way, as good people help others selflessly.” Thus, the good conduct of trees for human’s welfare has been realized and appreciated for hundreds of years.
The ladies have been performing Puja of Tulsi (Holy Bail) planted in the middle of the Courtyard of the Home for ages. Tulsi is also an elixir of life. It has great medicinal values and is one of the most important herbs used in Ayurveda and in day to day life. Tulsi can be easily recognized owing to its strong aroma and a sharp tangy taste. It is said to promote longevity and its extracts are used for the prevention and cure of several types of illnesses. Throughout India the Tulsi that can be seen just about anywhere is used in the extracted form for fighting common ailments that include cold and headache besides stomach disorders and inflammation. It is understood that Tulsi is also used for heart disease and diverse forms of poisoning as well as malaria. Currently it is also being used in toiletry products. Its one of the most effect medicine that can be used to fight harmful effects of the air pollution.
Trees are worshipped and revered by the Hindus living in India. They relate trees to Gods and believe that praying and honoring of certain trees like the banyan and sacred fig ( Ficus religiosa) is an act of worship and good deeds. Holiness is not only present in scriptures but in India, several thousands of temples are built near the sacred trees. It is important to note that trees give out oxygen essential for human survival is a fairly recent knowledge addition as compared to the thousands of years old history of worshiping trees. The fruits and vegetables obtained through the trees are considered as the best diet for humans and is also religiously attached to good thoughts and actions resulting from its normal intake for survival.
Trees supply us with almost all the things which we need for our basic requirements. That is to name as oxygen, fruits, vegetables, medicines, clothing, house (built from wood), etc. The service which the tree has given to humans since ages are worth the praise that it attained in the Indian scriptures. A human can survive after the extinction of many animal species, but it is impossible for humans to survive in the absence of trees. It must be due to this reason Hindus appreciated, watered and did not cut the scared trees. The medicinal benefits of most of these sacred trees have been enumerated in Ayurveda (the ancient medicinal system of India). There is today a need that the scientists should perform a more in-depth study of the leaves, fruits, twigs, roots, etc of these sacred trees which might also have some potential medicinal agent effective in treating current stress, cardiac and diabetes, and other problems. Maybe if we will know the complete benefits of these sacred trees, we will be in a more competent way to preserve them and also continue to grow more and more of its kind. Today science should be applied to know the complete depth and true potential and benefit of each of these holy plants and trees.
If a tree is worshipped in bright sunshine
Then the source of every life is being prayed,
Learning to serve the tree with water
We educate ourselves to enable living.
*This is the first article in the series of articles that shall be published by us