Significance of Sacred tree
Synonyms: Holy tree, Divine tree, Spiritual tree
In Dutch: Heilige boom; In Finnish: Pyhä puu; In Spanish: Árbol sagrado
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacred tree'
The "Sacred tree" in Buddhism symbolizes reverence for nature, serving as a refuge and holding spiritual significance, often linked to deities and divine events, while emphasizing the limitations of such natural sanctuaries in overcoming suffering.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A tree that is protected and revered, highlighting the reverence within the culture for nature and its spiritual significance.[1] (2) Refers to the Nimb-tree that the spirit fears would be damaged if the robber were captured and punished.[2]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Trees that are considered holy and are often a place to seek refuge.[3]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) Natural features to which individuals may seek refuge during times of fear; however, they do not provide the ultimate safety from suffering.[4]
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) Trees, such as Banyan and Palmyrah, regarded as holy and associated with various deities.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Trees like the kshirika that hold religious significance, often associated with divine beings or events.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Sacred tree'
In Hinduism, the Sacred tree symbolizes spiritual significance, serving as a focal point for rituals and worship. It embodies a connection between divinity and nature, with specific trees like Ashvattha and Tulasi holding revered status.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Trees mentioned in the lush forest where Uparicara hunted, symbolizing the beauty of nature and the pleasures of the earthly realm.[7] (2) A metaphor used for Karna's anchored position in battle when his wheel sunk into the earth, symbolizing a loss of mobility.[8] (3) Trees that are considered holy and are often protected for their religious significance.[9] (4) Trees that are revered or hold religious significance, mentioned as part of the adornment of the city.[10]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Divine flora that populate the island and are linked with superior spiritual qualities or outcomes.[11] (2) A tree considered holy where spiritual practices and rituals can be performed.[12]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Representations of Tulasi's hairs, indicating her transformation into a divine entity.[13] (2) Trees like Ashvattha, whose planting is regarded as a pious act with associated long-term spiritual rewards.[14]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Specific trees in the holy centre known for their spiritual significance and contributions to the environment.[15] (2) Diverse plant life in the hermitage of Kandu, enhancing its beauty and sanctity.[16]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Various significant trees associated with different Devas, such as the Ashvattha and Vata trees, which served as refuges for the Devas during the chaos.[17] (2) A tree that holds religious significance, notably Ashvattha, which is disguised as a holy fig tree.[18]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A tree considered holy and revered, such as Tulasi, Vilva, and Amalaki.[19] (2) The tree that would grow from the breast offered to Siva, known as Sriphala.[20]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Trees around which rituals and offerings take place, believed to possess spiritual significance.[21]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Certain types of trees designated as auspicious when planted in specific directions around a house, enhancing the spiritual and physical environment.[22]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Trees in the forest that are regarded as holy or significant.[23]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Trees on the peaks of mountains, symbolizing holy shrines for Devas.[24]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Trees like Palasha, Plaksha, and others, which hold significance in rituals and are to be used in offerings during the Shraddha.[25]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Trees that hold religious significance; urinating or passing stool in their shade is prohibited to uphold respect and sanctity.[26]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A tree that holds particular significance in rituals; used for parting hair or other ceremonial acts.[27]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) A revered tree planted in worship settings, symbolizing divinity and nature's connection.[28] (2) Fragrant and beautiful trees that are sacred to Hindu deities, providing a habitat for the insects mentioned in the poem.[29]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A mystical tree under which certain fertility rites are performed, believed to undergo exhaustion during the ritual.[30]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Trees regarded as holy in ancient India, often associated with religious practices and worship.[31]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Entities that were involved in the worship ritual, represented in the offerings during the sacrifice.[32]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Trees considered holy, which may be negatively affected by the falling of certain meteors.[33]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Symbolic plants in the king’s garden used for religious purposes, manipulated by spies for benefit.[34]
Jain concept of 'Sacred tree'
In Jainism, the Sacred tree symbolizes tranquility amidst chaos, reflecting the deep connection between nature and human turmoil, serving as a reminder of peace and harmony in a turbulent world.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The tree that represents a source of tranquility in the turbulent world, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and turmoil.[35]
The concept of Sacred tree in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Sacred tree" signifies a revered natural element intertwining spirituality with community, culture, and continuity, representing deities, local beliefs, and the preservation of nature across various tribal sects and villages.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An ancient tree considered holy, under which local deities reside, emphasizing the cultural significance of nature in villages.[36] (2) Certain trees, such as the banana and coconut trees, revered and worshipped in various tribal sects.[37] (3) A revered tree in the village, symbolizing community and continuity, which villagers wished to protect.[38] (4) One of Mukul Dey’s works, symbolizing the integration of Indian themes using a Western medium.[39]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Trees preserved in villages for the spirits of forests post-clearance of land.[40]
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) A revered natural element that could embody a deity, highlighting the connection between nature and spirituality.[41]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A significant botanical feature nourished by the presence of Buddha's chewing-stick, located in U-chang.[42]
The concept of Sacred tree in scientific sources
Sacred trees, such as the Arjuna, hold religious significance in Indian culture, symbolizing spiritual beliefs and reverence toward nature, reflecting the deep connection between cultural identity and environmental elements in regional traditions.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) A designation for the Bael tree among Hindus, symbolizing its importance in religious practices and beliefs.[43] (2) A sacred tree is a tree that holds religious significance and is often revered and associated with rituals and worship.[44] (3) The cultural significance of Aegle marmelos L. among Hindus, as it is revered and used in religious practices.[45] (4) Butea monosperma's cultural significance in spiritual practices and rituals in Hinduism.[46]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Arjuna is considered a religiously significant tree in Indian culture.[47]
From: Ancient Science of Life
(1) Trees that are revered and worshipped in various cultures, considered significant for their spiritual and ecological roles.[48]