Close your eyes (don’t actually do that yet, you need to read on first) and imagine yourself floating through blank space. Before the silence of the cosmic dissolution can give you existential anxiety, wrap yourself in your most favorite blanket. That blanket will support your journey through the universe. It will be your companion and your guide. My blanket was a leaf given to me by Vatvriksha, the Great Banyan Tree. The leathery, dark green, heart-shaped leaf is one of my greatest treasures. The Sages around me always say, “Krishna, why do you worship this tree like you do?” I can go on for millennia about my dear, dear Vatvriksha but I think it's better to listen to the musings from the elder Banyan himself…
Hello. My name is Vatvriksha and I am so happy you are here. It is wonderful to see the young souls of the cosmos yearning for personal growth achieved by visiting with the original Great Banyan. My philosophical side may become overwhelming but don’t fret. Take deep breaths and ask questions for clarity. I am here to support your evolution through time.
Speaking of time, the musings I hear most from those who visit me involve my age. Well, let me tell you- I am ageless. Even if my physical form is destroyed by humans, I live on in my brothers and sisters. Just know that I have been here before the beginning and will be around long after the end. Perhaps this is why many see me as the symbol of longevity. I can be found across the universe so when your spirit needs grounding you needn’t look further than my expansive embrace.
I see humans and trees as similar beings. We both aim to stand upright with feet planted into the ground, reaching towards the enlightened sky. If we don’t stay rooted in the earth’s energy, we will never fulfill our potential for divine perfection. Trees and humans are the mediators between heaven and earth. Inside each of us lies the entire cosmos. Yes, you hold the cosmos within you- just like my child Krishna.
Have you heard of the Vedas? They are the oldest scriptures in Hinduism containing hymns, philosophy, and ritual guidance. Krishna often tells his followers of a Banyan tree with roots reaching upwards and branches hanging down. If anyone is to know this tree, they will also know the Vedas. I encourage you to think deeply on this hymn. Remember that not everything is as it seems…
Krishna is the best. He’s so wise, always telling people how great I am. (I’m joking of course but he is a smart one.) I know before you came here Krishna mentioned using my leaves as a blanket. Allow me to quickly elaborate. There was a time when Krishna destroyed the universe by devouring it. After he consumed the cosmos, he turned himself into a child so small he fit comfortably in my leaves. He spent a long stretch of time floating through the empty void, resting until he decided to re-create the universe.
It’s almost time for my nap so I think I will wrap up our lovely conversation.
Other than being Krishna’s favorite tree, I also symbolize the triple deity of divinity, Trimurti. My protective bark is Lord Vishnu, my roots represent divine creator Brahma, and Lord Shiva makes up my branches. Always remember, when you need support and a comforting botanical embodiment of the universal soul to lean on, please come visit. As long as you don't mind the deities living within me listening in, I'd love for you to share with me your stories.
Author’s Note:
There is a Banyan tree in India believed to be over 250 years old. I thought this was old enough to make the spirit of the tree immortal in my story. Because the Banyan tree Vatvriksha is so old I tried to write it as a wise figure with a unique voice. I am eager to hear thoughts on this one.
The story took me quite a bit of time to research and write. The original idea I had in my mind didn’t come to life the way I imagined. I wanted to include Krishna, but it was difficult to find significant interactions to base my story on. There are quite a few small instances of Krishna praising the Banyan, so I tried to get those across in my story. I find Krishna really interesting and had to remind myself to keep the focus on the tree. It’s been challenging to include other characters alongside the tree without letting them steal the show. I hope you are able to come away thinking about the Banyan.
The Banyan often symbolizes Trimurti which brings the three gods Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva into one form. On their own Vishnu is the preserver, Brahma the creator, and Shiva the destroyer. When you put them together, they reconcile their differences and become Dattatreya.