Go Green - Under the Green Wood Tree

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver. -Martin Luther

Pipal tree is found all over India and other Asian counties. It is considered a sacred tree among Asians, particularly by those who follow Hinduism and Buddhism. This is also widely known as the bodhi tree, the tree under which Buddha got enlightenment. This tree is classified into the ficus group and the botanical name itself contains religion added to it- ficus religiosa. Today it stands as a symbol of peace of mind and calm and serenity—all what Man needs today. In countries where Buddhism has spread, like Thailand, this tree is used in many paintings and decorative articles and is famous as the ‘enlightened tree.’

The pipal stands some 70 or 80 feet, grows very big and lives long. It grows quickly and grows into a strong tree and its roots can break even rocks. Some trees in Asia are said to be thousands of years old. It is the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ for the East. If Buddhism has made it the enlightened tree, Hinduism considers this sacred in many ways. In India it is venerated.

The tree grows so big that with the presence of one great one a whole region gets purified air. Traditional medicine uses all parts of the tree in various combinations as cure to various diseases. It is said to have the healing power. It is said that sitting under this tree itself is cure for many diseases. There seems to be no insect capable of harming it; only human beings cause great harm to such big trees. Now research is going on in using an aqueous solution along with neem in pesticides and insecticides to make useful crops and plants resistant to insects 'for life' without losing any of their original properties.

The Indian traditional medicine uses all parts of this tree as medicine from disorders of blood, problems in the alimentary canal, lumbago, problems of women, to the well known demands like using this as aphrodisiac. The fruits are considered to have purgative properties and the barks are believed to check uncontrollable vomiting sensation. Some use the twigs in treating snake bites.

It is common to find a Bo or pipal tree on the banks of every pond as well as river in southern India and also a statue of the venerable God ‘Pillaiar’ underneath. It is believed that praying to him will show them the way to successfully complete any venture. This goes well with the belief of calling this to be the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ in these parts of the world. Many Indians start their day’s work after praying to him. The tree is believed to cure sterility among women; so its popularity among women.

I personally feel the elders on realizing the healing properties of this tree have made it a habit to have a statue of a god underneath to stop people from cutting down the pipal. Now one can find a host of god-statues underneath every pipal tree.

Trees are the first living antiques.
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