Drenched in emotions as I light a lamp beneath the Peepal tree as Pitru Paksh nears end, I am marked by twin thoughts- whether my father, who amalgamated with His Higher Self, three years back would be watching over me and the energy of Peepal Tree that pulls me effortlessly.
I reach for Shri Guru Rajan Ji and he guides me towards embracing an insight into the profound cosmos of wisdom.
Peepal (Ficus religious) tree is known as 'Ashvattha' in Sanskrit.
A = not + Shva = tomorrow + tha = stands/remains
Thus Peepal is the one that does not remain the same tomorrow, such as the universe itself.
Bhagavad Gita : Chapter 15.1,
sri-bhagavan uvaca
urdhva-mulam adhah-sakham
ashvattham prahur avyayam
chandamsi yasya
parnani
yas tam veda sa veda-vit
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: "There is said to be an eternal Peepal tree, with its roots facing upward and its branches extending downward, and its leaves are the Vedic hymns. Those who understand this tree are considered to be true knowers of the Vedas."
Bhagavad Gita : Chapter 15.2,
adhas cordhvam prasrtas tasya
guna-pravrddha visaya-pravalah
adhas ca mulany anusantatani
karmanubandhini manushya-loke
The branches of the tree extend upward and downward, nourished by the three guṇas, with the objects of the senses as tender buds. The roots of the tree hang downward, causing the flow of karma in the human form. Below, its roots branch out causing (karmic) actions in the world of humans.
Lord Krishna explains that the human form is analogous to the aśhvatth tree. In this form, the soul carries out karmas, represented by the trunk of the tree, with its branches (śhākhās) spreading both upward (ūrddhva) and downward (adhaḥ). The soul's rebirth is determined by its actions in past and present lives. A virtuous soul ascends to the upward branches, symbolizing celestial realms like those of the gandharvas and devatās. Conversely, a soul involved in sinful deeds descends to the downward branches, representing the lower realms and animal species.
"The true form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world. Its beginning, end, and foundation are beyond human comprehension. However, with determination, one must sever this deeply rooted tree using the weapon of detachment. Afterward, one must seek the place from which there is no return and surrender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all creation and existence since time immemorial."
The tree symbolizes the Trimurti, with Brahma as the roots, Vishnu as the trunk, and Shiva as the leaves. It is said that the Gods hold their councils under this tree, associating it with spiritual enlightenment.
The Brahma Purana and Padma Purana state that one can worship Shri Vishnu at a Peepal tree sans an image or temple.
In the Upanishads, the Peepal fruit is used as a metaphor to illustrate the distinction between the body and the soul: the body is like the fruit, experiencing and enjoying the external world, while the soul is like the seed within, observing everything.
According to the Skanda Purana, if one does not have a son, the Peepal tree should be considered as one. As long as the tree lives, the family lineage will continue.
The Peepal tree is also strongly associated with Lord Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita, He states, "Among trees, I am the ashvattha." It is believed that Bhagwaan Shri Krishna invoked Samadhi under this tree, marking the beginning of the present Kali Yuga.
The 15th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita begins pointing towards samsara, likened to a Peepal tree. However, this tree is unique because its roots are at the top. Since the Peepal is a tree marked with sanctity, Bhagawan refers to it in order to illustrate samsara. Samsara must be passed by everyone in order to attain moksha, thus, making it a paramount part of the journey. The Peepal is called 'Ashvattha' in Sanskrit, which means impermanent, making it a fitting symbol for samsara.
A term 'avyayam,' meaning imperishable, is used by Bhagwaan. How can samsara be both impermanent and imperishable ? Its indestructibility is not like that of the jivatma but as that of a river. Flowing relentlessly, the water in river you see now is not the same water you will see moments later due to the constant flow. Similarly, samsara persists through the cycle of rebirths until we reach moksha. However, through the 'axe' of devotion (bhakti) and surrender (prapatti), one can overcome samsara.
The Peepal tree is also known as the Bodhi Tree. The Ashvattha is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Krishna says to Arjuna: "O Partha, among trees, I am the Peepal; among sages, I am Narada; among the Gandharvas, I am Chitraaratha; and among the Siddhas, I am sage Kapila."
In astrology, there are several simple yet effective remedies associated with the Peepal tree that can help alleviate the negative influences of all planets. These remedies can be easily practiced by individuals of any zodiac sign.
For more information and to consult Shri Guru Rajan Ji for health, family, career, money related issues, contact Shri Guru Rajan Ji at : 9266514545, 9266524545.
