Does one ever thank a tree? Many trees are suppliers of ingredients for precious medicines that we depend upon to cure us of dangerous diseases. Aha, and don’t forget who helps your mortal remains to finally disintegrate and merge into the panch mahabhootas (the five elements).
The wood from the trees of course, your last resort. It is a giver all the way. It even sacrifices its limbs to make your precious furniture. The leaves become fodder or manure for your garden. Some trees are skinned alive for their bark, some even bleed their sap for you to use. These silent givers never complain, or beg for credit.
The tree has total detachment from its fruits, flowers and leaves. May be it is firmly rooted in the knowledge of their rebirth on its own branches. It is so benevolent in giving, and so selflessly, that it never uses for itself the fruits and flowers that grow out of its own body. They are let fall so gracefully for others to consume.
The tree belongs to all. There was a shahtoot tree in Chirag Dilli.
The one who planted that tree, thought he owned it and disliked street children who came to play there and pick the fallen fruit.
One day he put a high thorny barrier around the tree to prevent the children from picking the fruit. Then guess what. The tree dried up in sorrow.
The motto of the tree was to share its wealth with all. It stands like a renunciate in the blazing sun, the pouring rain and the winter frost only so that it may bear fruits and flowers for all to enjoy, not taking even one for itself. Oh. When will humans ever learn the joy of giving and sharing selflessly?
Prarthna Saran, President Chinmaya Mission Delhi.