The Benevolent Banyan Tree

We talk a lot about our planet's environment and its sustainability disregarding innumerable problems we create for mankind. Pollution levels all over the world are increasing. The urgency of the need to protect the environment is realized. Trees form a major part of the environment rendering us great service and benefits. They give us shade. They block clouds at high altitudes, condense water vapours and cause rains. They teach us useful lessons. Take the example of the banyan tree.

The banyan tree grows tall and has a large spread and its branches cover an area of more than an acre in some cases. It lives up to 400 years. It provides an air conditioning effect under its umbrella of branches free of cost. It cools the temperature in the vicinity giving shade and shelter. Its longevity reminds us of the several generations of men and women who have passed under its shade, probably a record no other tree enjoys.

From the huge banyan tree fall several seeds. Each seed, almost invisible to the naked eye contains great potential for bringing out several trees of even larger size to provide service to humanity. A small kernel of this tree contains thousands of seeds and has potential to give us off springs to cover the entire planet over thousands of years.

The banyan tree and the human mind have similarities. The mind is a subtle faculty. It is a flow of thoughts rushing through. These thoughts through ideas have potential for actions. If we screen them and take at least a few for scrutiny, development and implementation we find the basis for creative work in several fields. The nobler the idea the greater is the benefit for humanity.