The Significance of Trees in Buddhism

The sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) holds significance in Buddhism; the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under a sacred fig tree.

Humanity's interest in Ginkgo trees was a factor in its survival; it is believed that Buddhist Monks revered the trees for their beauty, resilience and medicinal properties.

Buddhist books and sacred manuscripts have historically been made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree (Saa paper), particularly in Southeast Asia and parts of China.

Before the Buddha’s enlightenment, Sujata offered a bowl of kheer (milk-rice) to Gautama Buddha. Due to his emaciated appearance, she wrongly believed him to be a Banyan tree spirit that had granted her wish for a son.

Wishing for children before sacred trees forms part of a long-standing tradition rooted in ancient Indian tree cults. Child-wishing rituals around sacred trees are mentioned in Buddhist texts and are still practised in Myanmar today by both monks and common people. (Rachelle Saruya, Mahidol University)