Significance of Banyan tree
Synonyms: Fig tree, Indian banyan, Ficus benghalensis, Shade tree
In French: Banyan; In Dutch: Banyanboom; In Finnish: Banyan puu; In Spanish: 脕rbol de baniano; In German: Banyan-Baum; In Swedish: Banyan tr盲d; In Malay: Pokok beringin; In German: Banyanbaum; In Spanish: 脕rbol de Banyan; In Swedish: 叠补苍测补苍迟谤盲诲
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Banyan tree'
In Buddhism, the Banyan tree symbolizes interconnectedness, support, and the cycle of life, serving as a significant setting for various events, parables, and spiritual practices that illustrate gratitude, authority, reflection, and the nature of existence.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The type of tree located where the cripple displayed his skills, now significant in the story.[1] (2) A type of tree that can grow roots into the ground, discussed in the context of being uprooted by the struggle between the roc-king and the snake-king.[2] (3) The tree beneath which boys, including the Bodhisatta, played, serving as a specific geographical element in the story.[3] (4) The location where a child, destined to be the Bodhisatta, was abandoned.[4] (5) A large tree that provided shelter and resources, such as water and food, for the merchants in the story.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The location where a guardian deity assisted Ankura by producing necessary provisions, representing the interconnectedness of gratitude and help among beings.[6] (2) The tree under which the confrontation between King Aliavaka and the ogre took place; it marked the ogre's territory.[7] (3) The large tree where the guardian deity resided, offering water and food to the hermits.[8] (4) A significant location where Sujata made offerings and where crucial events unfolded in her narrative.[9] (5) The sacred tree where the Bodhisatta sat to meditate and wait for his alms-round, which also became a site of worship and offerings by Sujata.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The location where the cripple sat and demonstrated his skill, representing a setting for creativity and interaction with children.[11] (2) The type of tree under which the Buddha waited for King Mahakappina and his ministers.[12]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A tree under which a commander of the Yanga king sat, representing a place of authority and observation.[13]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A tree referenced in a parable which plays a central role in the story of the three friends representing wisdom and support.[14]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The setting where the king of the Koshalas rested, symbolizing a moment of reflection amidst hardship.[15] (2) A type of tree under which the Exalted One spent his sixth week fasting in joy and ease.[16] (3) A huge tree on the banks of the river Varana, renowned for answering prayers and regarded with great veneration.[17]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An example used to demonstrate the type of assertions that characterize Tradition, illustrating a belief in a mythical entity residing within.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Banyan tree'
In Hinduism, the Banyan tree symbolizes endurance, wisdom, and divine connection. It represents substantial outcomes from small beginnings, serves as a sacred offering site, and is revered for its longevity and sheltering attributes.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The banyan tree is identified as the best of trees.[19] (2) A type of tree characterized by its expansive canopy and aerial roots, symbolized here as imperishable.[20] (3) Large trees known for their expansive branches and aerial roots, found in Kundavana.[21] (4) A specific type of tree in Vrindavana where Krishna is said to have played the flute.[22]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Another type of tree associated with the location of goddess Shashthi's worship.[23] (2) Trees mentioned in the text that contribute to the enchanting beauty of Radha-desha.[24]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The location where Shaci-devi chose to perform her vow of worship for Goddess Sashthi.[25]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An extensive and large tree known for its unique structure, referred to as Bhandira in the text.[26]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A type of tree that serves as a setting for significant conversations and events in folk tales, often symbolizing wisdom and connectivity.[27] (2) The location where the mendicant instructs King Trivikramasena to find a corpse for his incantation.[28] (3) A gigantic tree under which there is said to be a whirlpool, a significant symbol of danger during Shaktideva's journey.[29] (4) A type of tree that Nagadatta climbs to sound gongs and scare the birds.[30] (5) A significant place for Mrigankadatta and others, symbolizing rest and reflection amid their travels.[31]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A large and ancient tree symbolizing stability and shelter, mentioned within a sacred context.[32]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Represents the extent to which the Self can manifest into the visible universe, serving as an analogy for growth and evolution from the subtle to the gross.[33] (2) A metaphorical representation of the ideal person who provides support and guidance to others.[34] (3) The tree from which Uddalaka requests a fruit.[35] (4) A huge tree that grows from a very tiny seed, representing the concept that substantial outcomes can originate from small beginnings.[36]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A large tree referenced in the Upanishad text, from which the Subtle Essence grows and symbolizes the deeper spiritual truths.[37]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The resting place where Kripa and the other warriors stopped after leaving Duryodhana, symbolizing a moment of fatigue and concern.[38] (2) A large tree known for its wide canopy and multiple branches, providing shade and a place of gathering in the narrative.[39]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Large trees brought by citizens to decorate the city, symbolizing longevity and shelter, enhancing the festive ambiance.[40]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The location where king Uparicara placed his semen under the leaves before sending it to his wife via a falcon.[41]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The sacred tree associated with Shiva, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality in the context of the sacrifice.[42]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Refers to the Vata tree, commonly known as the Indian fig tree.[43] (2) A tree known for its extensive root system, which can indicate the presence of undercurrents nearby.[44]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The source of milk used in the preparation of the medicine.[45]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A large tree species whose milk and other extracts are vital in the medicinal preparation of mica.[46]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) A type of tree under which Dapple-back lays down to talk with the other characters.[47]
Jain concept of 'Banyan tree'
In Jainism, the Banyan tree symbolizes natural shelter, spiritual growth, and strength through its aerial roots and widespread branches, serving as a site for meditation and representing stability, virtue, and guidance in spiritual journeys.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A type of tree that has a unique growing habit where it sends down aerial roots that can become additional trunks.[48] (2) The tree under which Parshva stood motionless, symbolizing stability and grounding in his spiritual journey.[49] (3) A large tree noted for its sprawling branches and aerial roots, under which Rama seated Janaki to rest.[50] (4) Trees frequented by travelers suffering from cold, noted for their warmth.[51] (5) The large tree under which the characters stop in the garden outside the palace in Vijayapura.[52]
From: Naladiyar
(1) A large tree known for its aerial roots that symbolize strength and family ties.[53] (2) A metaphorical representation of how small acts of virtue can lead to substantial spiritual rewards.[54]
The concept of Banyan tree in local and regional sources
The Banyan tree symbolizes various concepts, including importance in narratives, growth of Indian civilization, spiritual gathering, shelter, interconnectedness, and potential for development, acting as a significant metaphor and focal point in different cultural contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A symbol representing diversity in unity; it evokes reflection on interconnectedness within nature.[55] (2) A specific location along the foot-path that marks a critical moment where Surayya is ambushed by Chandrayya's men.[56] (3) A metaphor used to illustrate the connection between unseen potential and observable reality, emphasizing themes of growth and existence in Wordsworth's thought.[57] (4) A significant location where a poor family lived, which becomes a focal point for Pardhasaradhi鈥檚 reflections.[58] (5) A metaphor used by Rabindranath Tagore to describe the complexity and expansive nature of Indian civilization, implying that it grows and spreads beyond its origins.[59]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A large tree on the riverbank in Sarjomghutu, which serves as a central meeting place for villagers.[60] (2) The tree which offers its opinion on the justice of the situation involving the snake and the prince.[61] (3) The location where the shikari spent the night while planning to confront the tiger.[62] (4) The tree where Jhalka positions himself to wait for the Rakhas.[63] (5) The location where Kara and Guja hide with the tiger's paunch and later observe the Raja's wedding party.[64]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is mentioned in the text as an example of something that does not symbolize awakening, and the author suggests avoiding human figures in the design.[65] (2) The banyan tree of desire is something that needs to be cut down with the axe of non-attachment, which will cause it to vanish utterly.[66] (3) This is used as a simile to represent the One Soul of the universe, which branches out to become the universe, yet remains connected.[67] (4) This serves as a metaphor to highlight the potential for growth and significance within all undertakings, irrespective of their initial appearance or scale.[68]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A large tree known for its aerial roots, mentioned in the lush landscape.[69] (2) A significant place where Dnyandev and Changdev meet; symbolic of rest and spiritual gathering, call the banyan tree of rest.[70]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) A type of tree associated with the offering made by Sujata, highlighting the tradition of tree worship that predates Buddhism.[71]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is characterized by its rope-like air roots falling down from its branches and eventually taking root around the original stem of the tree, and it is also known as the 鈥榙ownwards-grower鈥�.[72]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This is a type of tree with various forms like beksa, bereksa, or buraksa, and it is a tree that produces visible flowers and fruit.[73]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The site where the Wooden Peacock machine lands when the Prince descends from the sky.[74] (2) A tree near the road where the Devatawa resides, who intervenes in the Princess's distressed journey.[75] (3) A tree pivotal in the story where the Rakshasi discovers the absence of the Queen while searching blindly for her.[76] (4) A large tree where the Eastern Liar hangs the bundle of cooked rice, symbolizing a place of temporary shelter and concealment.[77] (5) Another tree the boy decorated with cloths after encountering it on his way.[78]