As we gathered in the early morning sunlight for group sadhana in Chennai, everyone was filled with eager anticipation of what lay ahead. After months of effort, we would officially be dedicating the new Center that evening, and friends would be gathering from all over India for the event.
As we went outside by the garden to do our Energization Exercises, the Southern Indian heat was already making itself felt. Just then a small tractor driven by two workmen noisily pulled up on the road outside the gate with a trailer hitched behind it. In it lay two long poles and two big stalks of the banana tree. Each stalk was about twenty feet tall, and was replete with a graceful stem, beautiful shiny leaves, a large bunch of still-green bananas, and a big purple flower at the end of the bunch.
The two workmen began to drive the poles into the ground on either side of the Center’s entry gate, and then to lash the stalks to the poles.
Curious about what was happening, I asked one of my Chennai friends to explain. “The banana tree,” Karthik told me, “is considered sacred. First, every part can be used: the fruit, peel, stem, and flower for food; the leaves for platters and, steamed, for wrapping food; the stem for juice and for fiber used in clothes and handicrafts; and the roots for medicinal purposes.
“Next, the banana is one of the few fruits that have no seeds, so it represents the soul freed of karma, with no compulsion to reincarnate. Finally, the banana tree is propagated by sending out shoots from the trunk, projecting its energy from itself to continue to serve others.”
My friend went on to tell me that when a project is started—moving into a new house, for example, or starting a new business—banana stalks are often placed at the entrance to invite their sacred spirit to bless the building. In the next few days, now that my eyes knew what I was seeing, I began to spy banana stalks placed everywhere: in front of a huge new car dealership, straddling the entries to small shops along the road, and even little ones taped to the windshields of new cars.
I began to realize that we could learn a lot by emulating the beautiful, humble banana tree:
1) To give ourselves totally in service of others
2) To remove all seeds of karma and become free souls
3) To leave behind a legacy of our consciousness that reminds people to see the sacred everywhere
The Chennai Center dedication was a wonderful celebration, filled with many people, music, food, joy, and inspiration. But my eyes kept wandering over to the banana stalks, and inwardly I thanked them for their example, and for blessing Ananda’s new home for God.
With joy,
Nayaswami Devi
20 Comments
Dear Nayaswami Devi Ji,
Thank you for the blog :-)
I got to know the meaning of the Banana Tree on the other day when you explained. Though we have been accustomed to it. Without knowing the real meaning we have been using it. Thank you for getting this message and Thank you Karthik :-)
What a Joy it was be part of the centre dedication . Thank you for coming over to bless our new home for Master :-)
Looking forward to welcome many new souls at Masters new home in Chennai
Joy,
Prem
Thank you Mataj for your inspiring story!
Beautiful, and glad to learn more about the banana tree! Thank you.
Thank-you Nayaswami Devi for sharing this story. I will see and enjoy bananas with new appreciation.
God bless you,
Celeste
Yes! In every way, every day. Every moment remembering this admonition to see and greet God in All. We are so blessed to have each other’s presence here wherever Ananda is to remind us of these practical expansive thoughts and teaching. Many hands do make miracles, don’t they! Blessings surround us through Gurus, our Guides and each other. Thank your Sri Jyorish & Devi for your insights and examples. AUM
Hello and Thank you Nayaswami Devi!
This is littleswan, Elizabeth Tucker, writing from the Bay Area. I have been appreciating your email ministry for the past few years—–especially since my life is very busy with taking care of my mother and working as a Park Ranger in Richmond, California. I miss you all, and am grateful to hear the ways that Ananda is continuing to spread peace and light in the world. I can’t believe it’s been about 15 years since I have lived in the Village…..blessings and love, Elizabeth
Banana is really a gift from our creator.
Thank you for this post of the remarkable banana tree. It is a tangible way for us to look at our own quest for God. I love bananas, and this inspires me love God and bananas even more!
How beautiful and inspirational! It is so amazing how God manifests in everything if we only look for him! He is always there patiently and lovingly waiting for our eyes and hearts to see him. Aum! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story ❤️
Jai Banana!
Jai Deviji!
Jai Guru!
Jai Ananda!
Devi ji, thank you so much for sharing these beautiful thoughts. i was deeply moved by the simplicity and purity of this most enlightening account.
love, regards & respects,
Pavan.
Such a beautiful description and reminder to be present in every moment, taking in the inspiration of God in everything, especially the humble banana tree. Thank you so much, Deviji.
Very nice observation… Let us imbibe the spirit of Love & Sacrifice for others from the Banana Trees !!
I was aware of the banana tree being sacred & its usefulness however the new info I learnt now was it did not have seeds which tell its karma free souls. I used to listen to a devotional ambal song where one of the lyrics says to offer her a banana garland which now I understand
That story was filled with an unexplainable sweetness. Congratulations on the new center and thank you.
This morning, I had some decisions to make and the first remark concluded my decision perfectly.
I am always amazed at the relief felt when you know exactly what the answer or decision must be.
And even when others don’t ‘get it’, I can gratefully walk away.
As always, thank you for your stories and comments,
I am so appreciative.
Hugs
Thank you for sharing the significance of the banana tree and its lessons for us. India is so sacred!
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Sharing Divine Gratitude for Mother’s/Guru’s Infinite Grace. In Divine Friendship to ALL, Namaste.
Thank you for this beautiful elaboration on one of the dearest of the 20 Spirit-in-Nature Essences, Banana for humility rooted in calmness. Perhaps it is its humility that keeps it from being botanically either a full tree or a plant, but rather a stalk with its deep purple blossom bowed as if in prayer. Such a moving post. . .