Sacred Seed Series: The Spiritual Significance of Banyan Seeds
Name and Meaning
The banyan seeds come from the sacred banyan tree, which is the national tree of India. They are typically found near temples and religious sites because of their strong spiritual significance. In Hindu mythology, the banyan tree is called Kalpavriksha, the tree that provides fulfillment of wishes and other material gains.
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Origin of the Meaning
The banyan tree was given its name when travelers noticed that the shade of the tree was used as protection for Indian traders (banias). It is often compared to the shelter given by God to his devotees.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna said, "There is a Banyan tree which has its roots upwards and its branches down and the Vedic hymns are its leaves. One who knows this tree is the knowers of the Vedas."
Why They are Meaningful to Wear
In Hinduism, symbolism is deeply engrained in the banyan tree because of its unique characteristic and life cycle. Its roots descend from the branches eventually anchoring itself to the ground. It is stable and constant and does not allow for any rebirth and renewal.
The banyan tree is a symbol of longevity and immortality because it does not allow anything to distract its growth. It will continue its life around anything in its path. It has the ability to survive and grow for centuries. For this reason, the banyan tree is significant in terms of many aspects of life. For example, love, marriage and spirituality. Aspects in which seekers hope to find a stable and constant connection with for eternity.
The banyan tree does not represent the impermanent material world, but rather the permanent spiritual world. Adding banyan seeds in your life is constant reminder of what is important. To not allow yourself to forget distractions from the material world and focus on the spiritual world as that is what will follow you throughout life.
