Significance of Fig tree
Synonyms: Sycamore, Common fig, Fruit tree
In French: Figuier; In Dutch: Vijgeboom; In Finnish: Viikunapuu; In Spanish: Higuera; In German: Feigenbaum; In Malay: Pokok ara; In Swedish: 贵颈办辞苍迟谤盲诲
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fig tree'
The Fig tree in Buddhism serves as a multifaceted symbol representing escape, sustenance, safety, and cleverness, as seen in various narratives involving the Bodhisatta and other characters who navigate danger and survival within their stories.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The tree where the Bodhisatta landed after being thrown down the cliff, providing sustenance.[1] (2) Symbolizes safety and deception when the Monkey uses it as a ploy to escape the Crocodile, demonstrating cleverness in avoiding danger.[2] (3) The tree from which the parrot observed Kalanduka's behavior.[3] (4) A tree where a man climbed to escape the boars, representing a strategic point of elevation.[4] (5) The tree where the Bodhisatta claims his heart is, ultimately used for his clever escape.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A fig-laden tree in the forest where the monkey resides, which serves as the setting for many interactions in the story.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Fig tree'
The Fig tree in Hinduism symbolizes spiritual and material benefits, prosperity, and beauty. Associated with significant events, it serves as a sacred site for rituals, penance, and divine encounters, reflecting its importance in cultural and spiritual practices.
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The location where Markandeya encountered the boy, who represents a divine form amidst an eerie and covered forest.[7] (2) A type of tree under which some Asuras practice hard austerities; symbolic of seeking shelter and spiritual growth.[8]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A significant tree where Sita prays for the safety and success of her lord.[9]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A significant tree on the Kimpurusha and Ramyaka continents, whose fruit is consumed by the inhabitants, contributing to their long lives and well-being.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) A massive tree whose broad branches provided shade and comfort to hermits.[11]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Kashirika, a tree considered significant both culturally and nutritionally.[12] (2) A specific type of tree mentioned as a marker indicating the availability of water.[13]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The tree where Krishna sat with his companions while engaging in playful royal activities.[14] (2) The location where Shri Krishna and others sat at one time.[15]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) A tree near Eagle-cliff where a flock of Herons had their residence.[16]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A metaphor for prosperity and beauty, associated with the supernatural qualities of the land in question.[17]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A metaphor used to illustrate the concept of the Physical Body as a sprout emerging from its root in Being.[18]
Jain concept of 'Fig tree'
In Jainism, the fig tree symbolizes subtlety and gentleness, as represented by the soft caw of a crow, contrasting with the harshness of the thorn tree. This reflects a deeper understanding of harmony in nature.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A tree where another crow caws softly, contrasting with the harshness of the thorn tree, possibly symbolizing subtlety and gentleness.[19]
The concept of Fig tree in local and regional sources
The Fig tree symbolizes Dharmu and his wife's unsatisfactory experiences and ongoing troubles, while also connecting to linguistic elements in the Indus script and Old Tamil, illustrating cultural and historical interrelations.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A tree that Dharmu and his wife approached to eat fruit but found it unsatisfactory, symbolizing their ongoing troubles.[20]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) A recurring sequence of Indus signs is this plus 鈥渇ish鈥�, which the text indicates has a counterpart in the Old Tamil compound vata-min.[21]