Audumbara Vruksham - The Tree of Life

[Guest guest]

The Audumbara vruksham is significant and substantial for Christians, Muslims,

and Hindus alike. It is the tree of life, in some sense. The healthful

properties of figs are numerous and well recorded.

 

Audumbara refers to the fig tree. It is the tree under which Lord Dattatreya

sits, as it is one of His favorites. There are many stories relating to the

Audumbara vruksham and its significance. Please read these, and understand the

tattvam (philosophy) behind it.

 

Did you know that the Nazarenes (rather the 'essenes' - the original followers

of the way shown by Christ - were instructed to partake of figs as a substantial

source of nourishment?)

 

Did you know that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received a gift of a basket of

figs as the " fruit of Heaven " ?

 

You all know and understand the stories regarding Dattatreya and the Fig tree.

The Fig tree is symbolic of the one common source/origin.

 

The tree under which Dattatreya seeks refuge/shelter, is the common

shelter/refuge for All. Why else do you suppose He sits under a tree? To teach

you to seek refuge under the same.

 

You will find what you seek - if you look for differences, you will find them;

if you look for the One Source of All traditions and paths, you will find

Dattatreya. The fig tree has many branches, but its roots are the same.

 

Differences are manufactured by the mind, Oneness is the essential underlying

Truth. Datta is One in All, and All in One. "

Wisdom removes false ideas of multiplicity and realises the unity of the

Self. "

 

There have been many messengers of God, and the various interpretations and

misinterpretations of their message has led to the majority of differences; but

as Swamiji says " Cows are different, but Milk is the same. "

 

This does not mean that everyone should mix up their philosophies and dharmas;

but it is to point out the fact that you should respect all other dharmas, while

following your own sva-dharma (natural path according to your temperament and

understanding). Also, sva-dharma doesn't mean to become lazy and give up on one

path when it becomes hard - it means understanding your own path by self-study

and investigation of your own life beyond what " someone else told me to do " . It

is after all, your path. All paths have smooth points, sharp points,

interesting points, boring points, uphill points, and downhill points, the key

is to become indifferent to the path, and to surrender yourself in carrying out

your duty. You see how Swamiji daily performs His rituals regardless of time,

place, or fate; He is even tempereted in all circumstances and continues to do

His duty despite his age, or his level of knowledge, or any other thing. He is

consistent. Devotees

should develop consistency in whatever their chosen path is for maximum

benefit. This does not require re-evaluation of one's life and purpose - just

look at where you are now, and see where you need to go.

 

" Datta Guru Jai Datta Guru! Datta Digambara Kalpatharu! Digambara! Digambara!

Sri Pada Vallabha Digambara! Chalasakhyano Bhajana Karuga Bhajana Karu... Datta

Guru che bhajana-gaavuni bhava-saagara hey paruukaru! Digambara! Digambara! Sri

Pada Vallabha Digambara! "

 

Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!

 

 

---

Gurorangripadme ManaScenna Lagnam tata: kim! tata: kim! tata: kim! tata: kim!?

Sarva Kartha, Sarva Dhartha, Sarva Hartha, Mangalam!

Satchidananda, Satchidananda, Satchidananda Mangalam!

Tasmai Sri Guru-murthaye Nama Idam Sri Dakshinamurtaye!

 

 

Ata Nityo Narayanaha, Brahma Narayanaha, Sivascha Narayanaha, Kalascha

Narayanaha. Disascha Narayanaha, Vidisascha Narayanaha, Urdwamscha Narayanaha,

Adhascha Narayanaha, Antar-bahischa-Narayana.Narayana Eh Vedam Sarvam, Yat

BhootamYacchha Bhavyam.Nish-kalango Niranjano Nirvikalpo Nirakyadhas,suddhho

Deva Eko Narayanaha, Na dwiteeyosthi kaschit,ya evam Vedas Vishnu reva Bhavati,

Sa Vishnureva Bhavathi, Etat yajur veda sirodeeyathe.

 

 

Sundara Sundara Siva Siva! Karuna Bandhura Siva Siva! Karuna Rupa Spanda Siva!

Girisha Sat-Chit-Ananda Siva!

 

 

Jaya Jaya Jnana Bodha Sabha, ...Atma Tattva Bodha Sabha, ...Bhakthi Jnana

Vairagya Sabha, ...Namasankeerthana Dhama Sabha

 

 

Satchitananda Rupaya, Krishnayaa Aklishtakarine, Namo Vedanta Vedyaya, Gurave

Buddhi Saakshine

 

 

" Rama nama ki madhura milaye, janma janma dukha doora bagaye ...Satchidananda

Guru vachana mithaye "

 

 

~*Om * Ayim * Hreem * Sreem * Siva * Rama * Anagha * Dattaya * Namaha*~