Subhashitas have extolled the good and generous qualities of trees in several ways. Their selfless service to all while being indifferent to the qualities of the beneficiary and without any expectation is incredible. There is no comparable sacrifice or virtue. Destruction of even a single tree can cause havoc. So too, the protection of a single tree can lead to great benefits for society.
एकेन शुष्कवृक्षेण दह्यमानेन वह्निना ।
दह्यते तद्वनं सर्वं कुपुत्रेण कुलं यथा ॥
ekena śuşkavṛkṣeṇa dahyamānena vahninā |
dahyate tadvanam sarvam kuputreņa kulam yathā ||
“A single dry tree can burn down the entire forest. So too a single ill-mannered child can ruin the whole family.”
A family is a wholesome unit. It cannot be fragmented or dissected. All members of the family contribute to the welfare and growth of the family. The family is like a forest. Even if one tree catches fire the whole forest catches fire. That’s how devastating forest fires take place, isn’t it? Similarly, even if one person in the family goes astray or takes an adharmic path, the entire family will be adversely affected. It is therefore imperative that we should ensure that all members of the family are on right path. In other words, it is the responsibility of all in the family to preserve righteousness in the family. That responsibility is greater on the elder members of the family who should focus their attention on all the younger members and ensure that none deviates from the path of righteousness or dharma.
The converse is equally true. One tree or one child can make a difference to the forest or the family.
एकेनापि सुवृक्षेण पुष्पितेन सुगन्धिना ।
वासितं तद्वनं सर्वं सुपुत्रेण कुलं यथा ॥
ekenāpi suvṛkṣeṇa puspitena sugandhinā |
vāsitam tadvanam sarvam suputreņa kulam yat||
“One fragrant flower or plant can fill the whole garden with fragrance. So too a good child in the family can make the whole family noble.”
With one sweet smelling flower, the whole garden will become sweet smelling. For example, a single flower called night queen spreads its sweet aroma throughout the garden and one can immediately discern it as one enters the garden. Similarly, a good child in the family can make the family an affable and happy place. In other words, it is always necessary to preserve the quality of goodness or dharmic attitude in all within the family. Just as a single bad person can destroy the family, so too a single good person in the family can uplift the family.
एकवापीभवं तोयं पात्रापात्र विशेषतः |
आम्रे मधुरतामेति निम्बे कटुकतामपि || - महासुभषितसंग्रह
Ekavaapeebhavam toyam paatraapaatra visheshatah|
Aamre maadhurataameti nimbe katukataamapi||
“Water from the same pond used for irrigation purposes produces different results. While the mango tree produces sweet fruits; all the products of the Neem tree are bitter in taste.”
The message sought to be conveyed herein is simply that the output is dependent equally on the quality of the recipient even if the input is the same. In order therefore that the input is not wasted one must ensure that the right choice is made of the recipient. Undoubtedly, without ardent students like Arjuna or Nachiketas, neither the Bhagavadgita nor the Kathopanishad would be effective or fruitful. In other words, one must choose the right student in order to ensure that the knowledge imparted is not wasted.
Mary Colborne Veel poetically said with deep emotion -
“We are the Trees.
Our dark and leafy glade
Bands the bright earth with softer mysteries.
Beneath us changed and tamed the seasons run:
In burning zones, we build against the sun
Long centuries of shade.”
Thanks for reading and have a good day!