The Banyan Tree The Banyan or Ficus benghalensis, can sometimes spread over several acres and is also extremely conducive for meditation. The aerial roots that drop from the branches of the tree symbolise the Indian philosophical concept that the tree of our life is upside down with its roots above and branches below.
This reinforces our awareness that our focus in life should be on our soul which is our root and not on the body, mind and senses which are the trunk, branches and leaves. When we water the root called our soul with meditation, the trunk, branches and leaves are automatically nurtured.
Meditating under a banyan tree[i] turns the body, mind and senses inwards and easily propels them towards the soul [ii] helps us to give priority to the activities and relationships that give permanent peace and bliss rather than those that give temporary pleasure, wealth, name and fame [iii] gives us the detachment to drop our negative qualities [iv] reduces our cravings and temptations [v] helps us to attain pin pointed focus towards our goal. [vi] It gives us a visual picture of our inner soul.
The mango tree
Botanically called Mangifera indica, it is known for its delicious, juicy, wonderfully flavoured fruits. The leaves of the mango tree are used to decorate the doorways of temples and houses during festivals in Southern India. This tree with its dense foliage and cool shade has remarkably good energy. When we meditate under it [i] it strengthens our yearning to see and realise our soul [ii] it awakens the sweetness of devotion in us [iii] it makes our life very fruitful and propels us towards our mission [iv] it triggers the experiential realisation that the energy of our soul is empowering all our activities.
The coconut tree
Called Cocos nucifera by the botanists, the coconut tree is also called the ‘Wish Fulfilling Tree’. So, the energy of this tree is filled with joyful abundance. Meditating under it [i] propels us towards achieving our materialistic goals of wealth, success and prosperity [ii] confers physical fertility [iii] helps us to achieve our goals in every sphere of life [iv] gives us the quality of extreme stability [v] activates our selflessness and motivates us to share our abundance with others.
The oak tree
The Oak tree (botanical subgenus Quercus) is known for its strength and stability because its roots go very deep into the soil. When we meditate under it [i] its healing energies enhance our health and increase our longevity [ii] It enhances our mental strength and stability [iii] it confers financial stability and prosperity [iv] it establishes our fame and reputation.[v] it activates our grit and determination.
The cedar tree
While the cedars (botanical name Cedrus deodara) in the Himalayas are gigantic, those in other regions of the world are more modest. However, the cedar with its stepped and stratified foliage is a beautiful tree representing our step by step progress and evolution on the spiritual path. When we meditate under the cedar it [i] purifies the energy of our five sheaths [ii] confers prosperity and longevity [iii] gives us the quality of self control by activating our will power [iv] turns our focus towards divinity.
The almond tree
The almond tree (botanical name Terminalia catappa) is known for helping us to retain our spiritual vibrations and enhancing them.
This article is taken from the book “Between You and Me — Meditation Made Simple” by His Holiness Shri Shri Nimishananda Guruji