Vruksham

The Vruksham (tree) is the symbol of life and growth. It stands for eternity and selfless wellbeing. From time immemorial trees are worshiped for their benevolence. Trees in Indian Mythology and Folklore are widely considered as sacred and worshipped across the country. The worship of trees in India can be traced to the Indus Valley Civilization and the hymns of the Vedas also contain references to such sacred trees and plants on account of their being associated with certain deities and also because of their potent medicinal properties. This tradition continues till the present day in most parts of India, including South India, in villages and urban centers.

The trees in Indian mythology and folklore bear spiritual importance in Indian legends and history. The Vedas, Puranas and Epics carry special references on these mythological trees. The Bodhi Tree is an old sacred fig tree located in Bodh Gaya under which Gautama Buddha, the spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism achieved enlightenment. In religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is identifiable by its heart-shaped leaves. The Peepul tree or Ashvastha tree is also a sacred Fig tree and a symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity and good luck. In Bhagwat Geeta, Lord Krishna had also said among trees, I am Ashvastha. The Tulsi plant is an important mythological plant with a Puranic background.

In South India, temples were constructed at places where certain trees were considered as the home of a particular deity. Later perhaps these trees were considered as sthalavrikshas or the sacred tree connected with that particular temple where it was grown and worshipped.

The famous Ekamreshvara temple in the temple-town of Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) has the mango tree as the sthalavriksha. Goddess Parvati is said to have worshipped a Siva lingo, beneath this tree and was reunited with Siva. A very ancient sculpture inside this temple depicts this scene with the mango tree sculpted very prominently.

Kalpavriksha and Chaityavriksha scriptures mention that worshipping trees have been an ancient Indian practice. Considering trees as sacred entities, dates back to the era of the Aryans who worshiped nature. Plants and trees are associated with several Indian rituals and tree worshiping continues to be an aspect of modern Indian traditions. The Hindus, Buddhists and Jains worship the Ashoka Tree, which is one of the most legendary and sacred trees of India. Myth says that Lord Buddha was born under this tree in Lumbini. The Hindus worship this tree since it is dedicated to Kama Deva God of Love. On the other hand the banyan tree symbolizes the Trimurti- Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. Depicting life and fertility in many Hindu cultures, this tree is worshiped by the childless. Banyan tree is usually never cut, thus it grows covering several hectares. The coconut tree is known as Kalpa vriksha in Sanskrit and enjoys special importance in most Hindu households. The coconut is used for all religious purposes and also for main sthapana of any pooja, the fruit is believed to represent Lord Shiva and the three black marks on the coconut shell depicts his eyes. Signifying love and fertility, the leaf of the Mango tree is used for religious and social ceremonies.

The Skanda Purana interprets the significance of Bael tree and mentions that Goddess Parvati s perspiration, which fell to the ground while she performed penance, gave birth to this tree. Hindu mythology also says that various incarnations of Parvati reside in each part of the Bael tree. Besides these the Ashoka tree is popular for the myth of Lord Buddha taking birth under it in Lumbini. Lord Mahavira, too, renounced the world under the Ashoka tree in Vaishali. Ramayana also mentions this tree as the Ashoka Vatika where Hanuman first meets Goddess Sita. Bamboo tree is also mythologically associated with Lord Krishna as his bansuri was made of bamboo.

The bamboo is associated with many temples in Tamil Nadu, the most famous being the Nelliappar temple in Tirunelveli. Lord Siva enshrined here, is called in many ancient inscriptions as Venuvaneshvara, (the Lord of the bamboo forest). The ubiquitous coconut tree, found in almost every part of South India, is also a sthalavriksha in many temples. The pipal tree (arasa maram) is seen in many temples, both big and small.

The sweet-smelling jasmine (mullai) which is used in worship in temples and in homes is the sacred tree of very many Siva temples in South India. There are places known as Tirumullaivayil, and in the temples located at these sites the sacred tree is the mullai.

Mythologies are popular about the origination of Kadamba tree. According to one legend, Kadamba tree is a type of mythical tree, which is assumed to be the `Tree of Buddhism`.

The association of Kadamba tree with Lord Krishna also has been established by some experts. The exotic dance of Krishna with her soul mate Radha and his darling gopis under the Kadamba tree is a popular topic of the legend of Krishna-Radha legend and is often represented in miniature paintings. The Kadamba tree is held consecrated by the devotees of Lord Krishna and its flowers are used as offerings at various temples. A Kadamba tree therefore stands as a symbol of reuniting parted lovers.

Several legends that are related to the Kadamba tree also are famous. Under the Kadmba tree, Krishna has been seen to swing from the branches and dance in festivity with all the milkmaids of Vrindavana. There is another interesting story popular about the Kadamba tree. In order to tackle the King of snakes, the Lord Krishna arrived at the place with other cowherd boys. He had climbed the huge Kadamba tree. From there, he jumped into the toxic waters of the Yamuna.

The Neem tree, also known as Margosa, has played a substantial role in Ayurvedic medicine and agriculture for millions of years. It is native to South Asia, where up to twenty million trees create an avenue. The Neem tree grows naturally in the Deccan peninsula, but is found all over India. It is also widespread in other countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, Japan and tropical regions of Australia and Africa.

Mango Tree is one of the best known and most popular trees of India. Scientific name of Mango tree is `Mangifera Indica`. Mango tree bears some very large and tasty fruits. There are several names of this popular tree in the different languages of the country. Both in Bengali and Hindi, it is popularly known as `Aam`. InTelugu, mango is known as Mamid or Mamada; and the Tamil people know it as Mangas or Ma. A native to India, mango tree is popularly found in almost all the tropical countries.

Here are a few thoughts which ancient seers of Sanatana Dharma had shared more than 5000 years ago regarding the importance of nature and majority of them are highly relevant today.

• One should not destroy the trees. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-48-17)
• Plants are mothers and Goddesses. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-4)
• Trees are homes and mansions. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-5)
• Sacred grass has to be protected from man's exploitation (Rig Veda Samhita vii-75-8)
• Plants and waters are treasures for generations. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-70-4)

Earth, in which lie the sea, the river and other waters, in which food and cornfields have come to be, in which lives all that breathes and that moves, may she confer on us the finest of her yield. Earth, in which the waters, common to all, moving on all sides, flow unfailingly, day and night, may she pour on us milk in many streams, and endow us with lustre. (From the Atharva Veda - Hymn to the Earth - Bhumi-Sukta)

May those born of thee, O Earth, be for our welfare, free from sickness and waste, wakeful through a long life, we shall become bearers of tribute to thee. Earth my mother, set me securely with bliss in full accord with heaven, O wise one, uphold me in grace and splendor. (From the Atharva Veda - Hymn to the Earth - Bhumi-Sukta)

• Earth, atmosphere, sky, sun, moon, stars, waters, plants, trees, moving creatures, swimming creatures, creeping creatures all are hailed and offered oblations. (Taittiriya Samhita i-8-13)
• One should protect the habitation. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-71-3)
• Waters as friends of man give full protection to his progenies. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-50-7)
• One shall take care of quadrupeds. (Taittiriya Samhita iv-4-10)
• One shall be auspicious to animals. (Taittiriya Samhita ii-3-14)
• One shall not find fault with animals. (Chandogya Upanishad ii-18-2)
• Waters represent splendor. (Atharva Veda Samhita iii-13-5)
• Waters bear off all defilements and cleanse people. (Vajasaneya Samhita iv-2)
• Whoever injures the essence of food, kine or steeds is a robber who sinks both himself and his offspring into destruction. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-104-10)
• Offerings are dedicated to waters of wells, pools, clefts, holes, lakes, morasses, ponds, tanks, marshes, rains, rime, streams, rivers and ocean. (Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-13)
• There was only water in the beginning. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad v-5-1)
• Waters and herbs should have no poison. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-39-5)
• Waters are to be freed from defilement. (Atharva Veda Samhita x-5-24)
• Waters cleanse humanity from the evil of pollution committed by it. (Atharva Veda Samhita xii-2-40)
• Waters are healing and they strengthen one to see great joy. (Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-19)

The Mahabharata says that 'even if there is only one tree full of flowers and fruits in a village, that place becomes worthy of worship and respect.’

‘No religion, perhaps, lays as much emphasis on environmental ethics as does Hinduism. It believes in ecological responsibility and says like Native Americans that the Earth is our mother. It champions protection of animals, which it considers also have souls, and promotes vegetarianism. It has a strong tradition of non-violence or ahimsa. It believes that God is present in all nature, in all creatures, and in every human being regardless of their faith or lack of it.’ Dr. David Frawley

We Hindus are always proud to hear others praise our culture. We publish them, discuss them in social circles but rarely follow the unparalleled teachings in our scriptures.

The Hindu concept of Brahman, the Supreme Soul, suggests that all animate and inanimate and all born and yet to be born are part of Brahman. Therefore an imbalance in a particular part will affect all other parts. The Supreme Being then finds out a method to transform that defective part. Since Brahman is present in all, it is easy to transform. And we humans might term such a transformation as the End or Death or total annihilation. For the Supreme Soul, it is a small repair work carried out by a minute virus.

The significance of 9:

No. 9 stands for socially conscious, concerned about the betterment of the world, idealistic, visionary, tolerant, imaginative and creative, compassionate, romantic, selfless and generous also giving, sharing, loving, caring, noble and aristocratic.

You don't mind sacrificing time, money and energy for a better world. You usually finish what you start and you are ready to sacrifice without the need for reward.

Many people are very familiar with the 72 names of God in Hebrew. Unless you are Muslim, many are not aware of the 99 names of God in Arabic; the ninety-nine names as revealed in the Holy Koran. What sacred names these are, and beautifully descriptive of the qualities of Allah.

9 to the 9th power are 387,420,489, which is sure to have some important meaning. Breaking that down, 3 + 8 + 7 = 18 = 9; 4 + 2 + 0 = 6; 4 + 8 + 9 = 21 = 3; and ultimately 9 + 6 + 3 = 18 = 1 + 8 = 9.

Egyptian mythology nine represents The Ennead.

Graeco-Roman: There are nine Gods and later nine muses.

Hebrew: Nine is pure intelligence (eight was perfect intelligence). Also represents truth, since it reproduces itself when multiplied.

Kabbalism nine symbolizes foundation.

Hindu: Nine is the number of Agni, fire. The square of the nine forms the mandala of eighty-one squares and leads to, and encloses the Universe.

Mayan: There are nine underworlds each ruled by a God. We find this reference to "nine underworlds" present in many cultures and beliefs.

Pythagorean: The nine is the limit of all numbers, all others existing and coming from the same. i.e.: 0 to 9 is all one needs to make up an infinite amount of numbers.

Scandinavian: Odin/Woden hung for nine days and nights on the Yggdrasil to win the secrets of wisdom for humankind. Skeldi, the northern Persephone, the goddess of snow, lives in her mountain for three months and by Niord's sea for nine months. Nine is the sacred number in Scandinavian-Teutonic symbolism.

Nine: The spiritual meaning of number Nine bring us to the very height of vibrational frequencies in this number sequence. Nine represents attainment, satisfaction, accomplishment, and our success to achieve an influence in our circumstances. The spiritual meaning of number Nine deals with intellectual power, inventiveness, influence over situations and things. Nine beseeches us to recognize our own internal attributes, and extend these abilities out into the world to make a positive, influential difference.

The symbolic meaning of number zero alludes to:

• Mystery
• Nothingness
• Infinity
• Potential
• Possibility
• Eternity
• Reflection
• Void
• Totality
• Rebirth

Primarily, the spiritual meaning of zero deals with pure potentiality. It is the point from which all other numbers spring forth. Even visually – the number zero is symbolic of the seed, womb or egg from which pure potential emerges.

Because the zero also visually resembles a circle, this is symbolic of eternity, evolution, infinity. Additionally, as with most symbols comprised or containing the circle we’re dealing with meanings of cycles, evolution, and time. Think wheels here – “what comes around goes around.”

Pythagoras, (practically the father of numerology) viewed the sign of the zero as the container for all things and the birthing place of all other values (that which preceeds must be the birth giver of all that follows). This is also the interpretation of the zero in Tarot numbers as well as other mystery school teachings.

Focus upon the zero is encouraged when we wish to be present in the moment, when we are trying to regroup our level of awareness. This is because the zero is representative of the essence of reality. It is everything and nothing at the same time.

As you can see – just from this brief summary, the concepts of the spiritual meaning of zero are heady indeed. When we begin to contemplate zero we soon find ourselves on an endless adventure.

The 9 stands for idealism, compassion, healing, sacrifice, and caring for the global community (as opposed to a small local community of family, friends, neighbors, and other tribal members). The number 9 stands for everything noble and decent. It is the Mother Theresa among the single digit numbers. However, like all numbers, there is a dark site to the nine as well. It can be arrogant, self-righteous, and fanatical.

Generally speaking 9 is seen as the number of completeness. It marks the end of the human gestation period and the end of a series of numbers (1-10), as well as a complete circle (360 degrees = 3 + 6 + 0 = 9).

A true humanitarian, a strong desire to serve your fellow man. A fighter for social causes for the poor and unfortunate. High mental and spiritual achievement capable of inspired action and of inspiring others. Many interest and sympathies. Generous and compassionate and may be imposed on. Passionate and romantic. High minded and idealistic, and able to fall in and out of love with ease and frequency. A lover of beauty in all things. May have a difficult early life, but will succeed through determination and resourcefulness. Impressionable, intuitive and quite independent.

Negative tendencies: Egotistical and conceited in dealing with individuals. Easily hurt, and not much emotional stability, may be quick-tempered Human conception (9 months), initiation, the Moon, completeness, 9 lives
Astrology: Uranus ruler of Sagittarius.

The myth of The Nine Unknown Men has been around since 273 b.c. An elite group of men founded by the Indian Emperor Asoka, are believed to currently still exist. Evidence of their roles in the advancement of our world have been cited throughout history. These Nine Unknown Men are said to have tremendous powers and knowledge well beyond anything we have ever seen. They are said to be the protectors of any and all knowledge that would be harmful to mankind, and they are also said to be the source of many of mankind's advances in all aspects of life. The story and history of The Nine Unknown Men is very large, very rich, and embedded in conspiracy dating back to before Christ. It has been said by writers of the show that the legend of The Nine Unknown Men has been the source of many of their ideas and plans for the future of the show.

In an interview, Joe Pokaski and Aron Coleite confirmed that the Nine Unknown Men are one of the many influences in creating Heroes.

In Hindu mythology, the 9 major celestial bodies are personified as the Navagraha, one of whom (the moon) is named "Chandra".

Also in Hindu mythology, Vishnu, considered the Supreme Being by many, has had 9 avatars (incarnations). A tenth avatar is predicted.

There are both nine circles of Hell and nine spheres of Heaven in Dante's Inferno.

The number 9 is present in many Chinese myths. The Chinese Netherworld supposedly has nine rivers in a nine-headed dragon. Also, ancient Chinese believed that the sky consisted of nine parts, the earth had nine separate countries, and each of those countries had nine mountain ranges.

In Norse Mythology secrets are revealed to Odin after hanging on the World Tree for 9 nights.

In Pythagorean numerology, the number nine is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is the highest value assigned to a letter or date. Second, because of the method of adding digits used, nines can be "cast out": a number like 19 is reduced as followed: 1+9=10; 1+0=1. In other words, you can simply drop the nine and reach the same result quickly.

In Greek mythology, there were 9 muses, responsible for creation of the arts by way of inspiration. They were the daughters of Zeus, king of the gods.

In Egyptian mythology, the Ennead were a group of nine gods and goddesses. Before passing onto the afterlife, a person had to be judged as worthy by the Ennead.

The world in Heroes is at the end of one era just before the dawn of another.

The number 9 is the last digit before the start of double-digit numbers (in base 10). This feature is the reason the number nine has certain unique mathematical properties, such as the digits of every multiple of 9 adding up to 9 or another multiple thereof.

In French the word neuf means both nine and new. In German, the words for nine and new are neun and neu, and in Spanish, nueve and nuevo.

It is very likely that the turning point between the two eras is the explosion, which is set to occur on November 8th. The next 'era' therefore would begin on November 9th. Also, the prefix to November is related to Latin words for both "nine" and "new".

3 is considered a lucky number, and 9 is 3 x 3, so the number 9 is even more potent.
Nine as the perfect/necessary group size, in Indian/Asian mythology:
Important Buddhist rituals usually involve nine monks. from Wikipedia:Nine
Nine, as the highest single-digit number (in base ten), symbolizes completeness in the Bahá'í Faith. from Wikipedia:Nine

There are nine basic personality types represented on the enneagram. (It is believed that the Enneagram figure is of ancient origin, possibly from within Sufism...) In geometry an enneagram is a regular nine-sided star polygon, using the same points as the regular enneagon but connected in fixed steps. from Wikipedia:Nine

The Asian magic square (think of Sudoku) is one in which each number 1 through 9 is used only once. from The Symbolism and Spiritual Significance of the Number Nine, Dee Finney

These ideas - of nine being "complete" or the number necessary for a ritual - may suggest that it will take exactly nine heroes to stop the bomb and/or stop Sylar. While everyone has a part to play in some fashion, nine people have to be together for everything to align and the "good" future to unfold instead of the dark future. The interconnectedness of the enneagram also suggests the need for nine heroes whose lives have been intertwined. (Consider the many "coincidental" run-ins we've seen between them.) The magic square also suggests nine heroes being used, each playing one single important part to the whole.

999 is the Australian number of the beast. The beast could be Uluru

0 - ZERO - This number represents the elementary numeric stage that has no value but signifies the absence of any numerical quality. In zodiac, the zero represents the circle that indicates revolution. This number is the symbol of periodical recoveries through the cycles that are presented in the visual shape of the number - 0.

9 - NINE - The symbol of the world is the triangle with the three points: Heaven, Earth and Hell. Number nine symbolizes the whole that includes three worlds. The picture of the snake called Urobor who is eating its own tail symbolizes the revival and is very similar graphically to number 9. In the Indian mythology, there are nine successive incarnations of Vishnu, the divinity that represents sacrifice for the sake of the people. According to the Gospel, a book of the Bible with the set of four parts by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus Christ was crucified at three o'clock, his agony started at six and he died at nine o'clock. This number is the symbol of the last phase of a voyage, the final bliss, the discovery of the whole through unifying love.

Masonry make from nine timelessness number which means ''human immortality''. In their symbolism, number nine write growth down, to materialistic level. On human level nine is number of months which is needed to develop fetus although after seven months he is fully formated, but multiplication this two numbers (7x9) gives number 63, which represent average length of human life. 9s is only number which multiply by any number always reproduce him (9x2=18, 1+8=9...).

Number nine like the last number in the range signifies the beginning and the end, a transition to a new level. It symbolizes the end of the road, the finish of the cycle.