The Lord, the life in us,
pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals. Hence, they are
all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees.
They give us the vital factors that makes life possible on earth: food,
oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc. Hence, in India, we are taught
to regard trees and plants as sacred. Indians scriptures tell us to
plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised
to use parts of trees and plants only as much as is needed for food,
fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologise to a plant or tree
before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona
Certain trees and plants
like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial qualities,
are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as
trees and plants, and many people worship them to fulfill their desires
or to please the Lord |