The book of the Bible “Isaiah” is now online. Now you can read the original manuscript of the Bible in digital in amazing detail along with verse and translation.
Great and wonderful news!!!
The Great Isaiah Scroll at The Israel Museum Credit: DSS Collections
“The Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa) is one of the original seven Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in Qumran in 1947. It is the largest (734 cm) and best preserved of all the biblical scrolls, and the only one that is almost complete. The 54 columns contain all 66 chapters of the Hebrew version of the biblical Book of Isaiah. Dating from ca. 125 BCE, it is also one of the oldest of the Dead Sea Scrolls, some one thousand years older than the oldest manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible known to us before the scrolls' discovery.”
To read more about this and to read the Hebrew original text click on this link: The Great Isaiah Scroll”
This is really Amazing!!!
Although creation tells us much about God as a wonderful all-powerful Creator, we need the Bible to teach us about the love, grace and mercy of God demonstrated through Christ’s work at Calvary’s cross. Bible, The Greatest and unique gift human beings ever received. But unfortunately the human beings just neglect to accept it as a great gift ever received. Instead many, even the so called followers of Jesus Christ just neglect it without finding time to read and meditate this wonderful treasure.
In relation to the reading of the Bible, here is a wonderful finding I just come across in my today’s reading. This is really worth noting, so please read on:
Do you know ?
It takes 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible through at pulpit rate.
It takes 42 hours and 20 minutes to read the Old Testament and 18 hours and 20 minutes to read the New Testament.
In the Old Testament the Psalms take the longest to read – 4 hours and 26 minutes.
In the New Testament The Gospel of Luke takes 2 hours and 43 minutes; that is less than 12 minutes a day to read it through a year.
These figures show that if a person reads his Bible 12 minutes a day, he could get through the Bible ones a year.
This means that if you spent a ½ hour a day reading the Bible, you could read the Bible through nearly three times a year.
HERE IS A BIG QUESTION!
How much time you are spending to read the Bible everyday?
Are you reading the Bible 30 minutes a day?
If not, take a decision today to read it everyday at least 30 minutes.
Make it a habit to read it daily — 30 minutes or more.
It is the only written communication between the Creator God and Man.
So please don’t neglect to read it.
Read it.
Meditate on it.
And have a constant communication with the Author of this wonderful Book.
That pleases the Creator God and will be a great blessing to you.
Though a bit confusion prevailed on its birth date. Google officially decided to celebrate its birthday on September 27. It’s this year’s birthday doodle shows a five letter logo wearing hats and placed behind a birthday cake with colorful balloons and wrapped up gift boxes around.
In 1996 its founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin with a humble beginning (with four computers) started their first search engine. The toil they put in is tremendous and that lead Google to become one of the giant search engine today.. Though they faced many hurdles its way to victory and success in its field itself is history.
With all its stories spread all over the web Google is continuing with numerous new projects. Its growth in the IT field is tremendous and an envious one to its counterparts.
Google now entered into a crucial/critical age, “Teenage”
No doubt the competition around Google is crucial and tough too.
Ha, As India’s former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, “Miles to go before I sleep… Yes Google needs to travel miles and miles……
Keep Finding, Keep Searching and Keep Informing the public about the new and wonderful things in the world over.
We wish this wonderful Search Engine Company A Happy Birthday.
May you Travel many more miles with more interesting and wonderful things for the web searching community.
For Earnest And Constant Prayer For The Persecuted Brethren And For The Persecuters:
(Peter therefore was kept in the prison; but unceasing prayer was made by the assembly to God concerning him. Acts 12:5 JND)
Young Men's Evangelistic Fellowship (YMEF) Team (North Division) which has been working in Andhra Pradesh is in Police Custody. The four member team from Kerala had been doing gospel work with the co-operation of the local Brethren in the Telegana region of Andhra Pradesh. On 24th September around noon a hostile group started misbehaving with the team members. Soon a big crowd formed blaming the Brethren from Kerala of coming and converting the locals. Police arrived at the scene and tried to disperse the crowd. As their efforts failed, the Police arrested 8 Brethren in protective custody and took them to the Police Station. The hostile crowd soon reached the Police Station and prevailed over the Police to act. A case has been registered on our Brethren. Till late night the hostile crowd has not moved away from the Police Station.
The arrest took place under the jurisdiction of Dharmapuri Police Station in Karimnagar District of Andhra Pradesh.
The YMEF Team includes four brethren from Kerala and four from Andhra Pradesh.
M C George – [Courtesy: TBN. Email: thrissur.brethren.news AT GMail Dot Com ]
A Latest Update:
The YMEF Gospel team which was taken into Police Custody in Andhra Pradesh yesterday due to heavy opposition and complaint by anti-gospel elements.
The anti-Christian and anti-gospel elements have finally been able to force the Police to take adverse action against the Christians. These people produced witnesses that claim 'the Christians were indulging in “religious conversion”' and 'that they stood in front of a non-Christian religious place and asked people to become Christians'. Finally the Police have made it a case of “religious conversion”.
Since the region in AP where these people were taken into Police Custody is already undergoing a political unrest (The Telangana Problem), there is widespread strike in that region for many days and courts and government offices are unable to function full time. As a result, though the brothers were taken to a Court, it could not be presented to a judge and the brothers continue to be in Police Custody.
The brothers in that region have hired a lawyer who hopes to plead for these people on Monday, provided the prevailing political unrest does not hinder such things. The plan is to seek bail for them, but at present there is no certainty that the brethren would be released on bail.
Our readers should keep it in mind that though the constitution of India guarantees the freedom to “propagate” one’s religion, it does not automatically guarantee the freedom to “convert” or proselytize others (as per the latest sentiment and common interpretation of the constitution). Thus getting charged with attempt to “convert” others can take a serious turn if the Lord does not intervene.
Exactly the way the saints did at the time of the Apostles (the book of Acts), let each one of us get on to our knees individually, as families, and as churches that the Lord would intervene in the present situation, that no harm be done to our innocent brethren, and that they might be released as soon as possible.
[Courtesy Dr. J C Philip; Brethren Believers)
END NOTE:
These are one of the signs for His (Jesus Christ) Coming. We the believers need to fervently pray for His laborers in His Vineyard, at the same time we need to earnestly pray for our persecutors too, Just an example Stephen ReadFrom Acts Chapter 6)
Yes, let us earnestly pray for our persecutors too.
May God Bless and Guide.
Philips & Associates.
Source:
Dr. Binoi Varghese. Thrissur
Thrissur Brethern News ( M C George)
Spiritual Digest (Br. Benjamin K V)
Brethren Believers
Brethrenassembly.com
Please Share This News For Prayer:
NEWS UPDATE
PRAISE THE LORD
THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY
HEARD OUR PRAYERS!!!
BRETHREN UNDER A. P. POLICE CUSTODY RELEASED TODAY AT AROUND 2.00 P.M.
(A Great Alert to the general public and the tree fellers)
In the modern world of ours even the authorities are chopping down the trees in the name of development. This knol pin points the great damage we are causing to the very existence of human beings by cutting down trees around the world.
Every year we celebrate environment day on June 5th with a lot of fervor and activities. Our media, print and visual, put forward a lot of stuff in this connection about the coming peril, the alarming global warming. It was good that many could take some kind of precaution towards it.
If the present life style continues, no doubt we will be caught up in this peril. It is upsetting to note that cars, air-crafts, air conditioners, bulbs etc... and the way of life that causes the global warming. If we go on at this rate, the level of heat increases and it will definitely be a great threat to the earth's species as well as human. Another report says that "the world has just 10 years to reverse surging greenhouse gas emissions or risk runaway climate change that could make many part of the planet uninhabitable." This is a great warning from the scientist world. They conclude that unless mankind rapidly stabilizes green house gas emissions and start reducing them, it will have little chance of keeping global warming within manageable limits. The result could be a great destruction. The present alarming high rate of oil addiction is a great threat. It is high time that we think seriously for a Great New Deal, that we must start the action needed to reduce green house gas emission before we end up in disaster. We have to seriously consider our present way of functioning and to do something solid to curtail the global warming.
A Scene from my city Secunderabad. A friend named it "A Golden Tree" Pic. by P V A
Trees are an integral part of the human race. The benefits we receive from a tree are many. It has been estimated that a palm tree is useful to man in more than 250 ways. It is also estimated that an ordinary tree inhales approximately 14,000 liters of carbon dioxide, and exhales double the quantity of oxygen for human consumption and survival. Sad to say, these days even the civic authorities are cutting down trees in the name of development. But unfortunately, many do not know the consequences of their negligent activities. The massacre of trees means putting an axe to the very existence of human race. No doubt, the continuous felling of trees will cause irreparable damage to the already perishing flora and fauna of our country.
The need of the hour is to carefully plan and reduce felling of trees. The truth is that it is more profitable to leave a tree standing than fell it. A recent study says that, "There is a direct loss of over Rupees fifty thousand per year for each tree that is cut or removed from its place. It is also estimated that one tree yields oxygen worth thirty thousand rupees. If we cut trees at the current alarming rate, (Watch the video: The Australian Tree Cutter at the bottom of this knol) soon we will need to install oxygen manufacturing units in every corner of the nations, especially in the urban area which would cost a very high price that no government can afford.
As said it is not only an integral part of human beings but also so closely connected with the animal kingdom too. Animal kingdom is so connected of depended on our natural resources like trees etc. Here is an interesting picture and a video to watch in this regard
Trees absorb water from the ground, and
then through transpiration, transmit this water to air as water vapor.
Thus, they help maintain the atmospheric equilibrium. The study says
another rupees ten thousand will be spent per tree on the other
miscellaneous functions a tree performs preventing soil erosion,
providing shade, food, fruit and of course, fuel (provided by the dead
branches and manure made of decomposed leaves). In short, the cost of
replacing a single felled tree proves expensive indeed! Just
calculate the price of the several thousands of trees removed from
earth every day all over the world. There is no doubt that this is a
serious issue.
What the Religious Texts Says
A Typical Tree scenery from Texas
Pic. Credit. Jolly Daniel, Portland, Or. USA
Let us have a look at the religious texts in this connection, what it has to say on this:
In the Book of Genesis (the first book of the Bible) after the creation of man, Lord God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food". (Genesis 1:28-29). "He planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:8-9).
In the Bhagavath Gita (The Hindu scripture), it is mentioned that "A tree's leaves, flowers, fruits, shades, roots, skin wood, pulp even the charcoal, everything, it gives to humans for their use. In short whatever they have they give it for others and they live a selfless life. How precious and satisfied are their lives".
In the Padmapuranam, another Hindu Scripture, we read, "The one who plants a tree on the wayside is a blessed man. He receives the blessings from heaven as long as it bears flowers, leaves and fruits".
The tree was part and parcel of human race from the very beginning. It was so closely connected with human beings. Trees not only connected with human beings but the animal kingdom too depends on trees.
Famous Personalities on Trees:
Poet Kabir wrote "Trees live a sacrificial life; soul body and everything they have they give to others with a sacrificial mind. They are the real munificent, they are the great benevolence. The ones who do service to such trees they receive God's blessings".
President Roosevelt said, "How sad will be a childless life! A nation without enough trees and greenery is also like a childless couple".
Trees growing in the midst of a tea plantation at Poopaara, Idukki Dist.
in Kerala.
Picture Credit: Bijin Thomas
Jawaharlal Nehru said, "Planting plants and trees and meeting its needs shows a nation's welfare and wealthiness".
Goutam Buddha said, "Trees are the best examples of selfless service. For their existence they never demand anything from anybody, instead they provide many good things for the welfare of the people. Even the person who puts his axe on its bottom, it gives him shadow till its fall.
Another famous Malayalam poet wrote:
"The one who pours water with a loving heart to a Banyan sapling, / When it grows, it gives shadow to everyone who passes by".
The Australian Tree Cutter - A YouTube Video
YouTube Video The Australian Tree Cutter
Trees are being killed mercilessly in the forest. The Australian Tree Cutter
Let the people who mercilessly cut the trees take note of the great danger they are causing. Here is a horrifying video which narrates how mercilessly the innocent trees are being killed in machine speed. Watch this video: "The Tree cutter from Australia".
If this type of felling of trees continues, one can very well imagine the disastrous consequences we human beings are going to face. We need to think seriously on this issue to find a solution soon.
Yet another point to note here is that trees have feelings too like other living beings, it has got its own feelings towards human beings. There are a good number of incidents we can put forward on this line.
Let me narrate one such incident that happened in my own life. This happened many years back and still remains a mystery.
"The mother of a friend of mine, (lovingly I call her ‘Chittamma’—mother's younger sister) had planted a pumpkin creeper near their ancestral house compound at Valanjavattom near Thiruvalla (Kerala) that had a portion with thatched roof. Apart from this creeper many other plants and trees were growing in the same compound. Chittamma was the one who lovingly took care of these plants and other small trees.
Every time, especially when the annual vacation or other holidays came, we all gathered together and played cricket and other games in their vast compound. On such occasions I used to notice her special care and love towards the plants and trees growing in the compound. A pumpkin creeper had spread all over the roofing. A fairly big pumpkin had ripened. Her husband suggested many times to cut it down for use, but she, for no apparent reason, always avoided it and used to change the topic by saying that there was no hurry and that it would be taken down when some special occasion arose. She thus allowed it to remain where it was and since the family was not interested in cutting it down they almost forgot about it.
Days passed by, Chittamma fell sick and died. It so happened that while we were all assembled near her death-bed, sad and morose, that pumpkin, in full view of her, broke itself off the creeper and rolled down from the thatched roof on to the ground below. The fall almost to the minute coincided with her death. Later, this pumpkin was used for her own post death ceremonies on the suggestion of my friend's father who felt that probably the pumpkin was being kept for this very special occasion. Chittamma's death and the coincidental death of the pumpkin still remain as a mystery to me.
Here is another similar incidents in response to the above incident after publishing it in a news paper.
Death of Trees An experience of a Reader
These incidents happened few years back. Let me put it in his own words:
“We were living in the village in Bhagatpur district of Bihar State. My father, grand father and uncle planted a mango sapling, a guava sapling and an apple sapling respectively in our family courtyard. Other trees and plants were also growing in the same compound. They have given all necessary care to grow these plants; my mother also actively helped them in watering these plants. It grew well and started giving fruits.
An Apple Tree
Picture Credit: flickr.com/donsutherland1
Few years later my grandfather went to Varanasi in connection with our family business. In the year 1957 he expired at Varanasi, the same week the guava plant he planted in the village dried up. This is not an isolated incident. In the year 1960 my father also went to Varanasi. The day he departed the village in Bihar the mango tree he planted started withering and in few days time it completely dried up. Few years later my uncle also died at Varanasi, and the apple plant he planted in the village also died the same week”.
These incidents may be amazing and unbelievable to many of you. But no doubt there is some mystery behind the death of these plants and trees.
This type of strange reactions of plants and trees need a little rethinking. May be they are also capable of sorrow and happiness. Sometimes science may not recognize this as fact. There are many references in literature that plants too have feelings. But this is not convincing as poets and writers have a world of their own, where birds and animals' talk and smile etc.
The incident which I witnessed may not be enough for a scientific theory. But I firmly believe that many such instances and their statistical analysis might yield some positive results.
At the same time it is more difficult to arrive at a scientific conclusion if our observations are added with emotions and presumptions are drawn with a biased mind.
It would not be out of place to say that plants are at a very low level of consciousness when compared to animals. Pain, pleasure, longing, love, hatred, kindness, contentment and sympathy are the feelings of higher forms of life. Association of higher feelings with a lower level of consciousness sometimes may not appear convincing.
Tree Suicide: A YouTube Video:
YouTube Video
Tree Suicide
Though human beings are trying to eliminate these innocent beings in high speed for their personal interest, the trees love them and extend their limitless service to the human beings till their death.
Yet another interesting fact is that there are some trees which take the extreme steps of suicide. It is believed and established that even some animals commit suicide. “Springbock” animal in the Southern African forests kill themselves. This they do for the existence of their coming generations. Scientists say that they do this for their new generations' welfare. ‘Spring Bock’ animals are from the deer family, they join in group and suddenly jump into the water and die.
Humans' commit suicide because of frustrations, love failure, financial instability and even due to dreadful diseases etc.., but these animals, when their number increases they die for the welfare of their coming generations. They are paving the way for their younger ones, this is the scientific communitie's finding on these animals' mass death. There are some cases noted that even trees commit suicide. Robin B Foster, from the University of Chicago Press (the chief of biology department in Chicago University) in his ten years research found out that even some trees suicide. A tree named “Rackygaaliya vercikkolor” kills itself a year after its flowering. These trees are mostly found in the island of Baaro Colorado’. In the year 1970 eighteen trees flowered first time and they produced fruits and later suicide. In the year 1974, for study purpose he marked 430 trees out of which 80 flowered and produced fruits and later died. Robin B Foster says, they do this for the existence of its generations.
The Pumpkin story and other death of the trees mentioned in the above incidents shows that they have feelings like human beings.
Joan Klostermann-Ketels in her recently released book "PersonaliTrees" (an eight-year labor of love) says “Trees are sentient beings", and each tree in this book stopped me in my tracks. They took my breath away. They have stories to share. All we have to do is be present.”
Instead of being present to feel their feelings we often destroy them for our selfish interests. But there are many exceptions to this, there are a good number of people especially in India give much importance and respect to these silent servants (service providers).
A majority of them in Hindu religion give respect to nature and especially to the trees. Trees have a major role in their daily worship services. In Hindu mythologies trees have been a prominent place and have given deep and sacred meanings. Though it may look strange to some these type of respect is deeply associated with faith. Ancient sacred writings reveal that tree worship was an age old practice in the Hindu religion. Aryans worshiped all kinds of plants and trees, this practice continue to be part and parcel of Hindu worship services till today.
A list of trees and plants worshiped by sacred Hindus
Banyan trees or the Peepal trees (Its botanical name is Ficus religiosa or Ficus benghalensis, is one of the important trees worshiped and featured in Hindu mythology. Peepal tree is also known as "Pilaeshwar Maharaj" (King Pilaeshwar). It also symbolizes the trinity god The Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. It also denotes life and fertility, this is one of the reason why childless couples take initiative in worshiping this tree. According to the custom this tree should not be cut, and it grows like a giant tree.
This banyan tree is counted as the widest tree in the world, it is also estimated that the tree is 200 to 250 years old. Some travel books state that this tree withstood two great cyclonic attacks in 1884 and 1886. this tree looks not like a single tree but like a small forest. Yet another god, Dakshinamurthy, who is worshiped as the "ultimate guru", is depicted under a banyan tree. He represents god Shiva who is believed to be the destroyer of ignorance and incarnation of knowledge.
Asoka Trees, like a fencing near a road.
Picture Credit. Bijin Thomas
Ashoka Tree,after Peepal tree Ashoka tree is the most legendary and sacred trees of India and Sri Lanka.
It’s a sacred tree in the Hindu religion, and is worshiped in Chaitra maasa (the first month of the Hindu Calendar)
Ashoka tree comes from the Caesalpaeniaceae family, and the Sanskrit word's meaning denotes, "no grief" or "without grief". This tree also symbolizes love, and is dedicated to Kamadeva, 'the love god of Hindu religion'. This tree has a symbolic importance in Buddhism too. According to the legend it is believed that the founder of Buddhism 'Lord Buddha' was born under this tree, and it is planted in every Buddhist monastery. It is also believed that Mahavira the Jain guru renounced the world under this tree in Vaishali.
This tree has a number of medicinal value, and our ancient poets and writers made mention of this beautiful tree in their works. Its flowers, fruits, bark are used for healing different diseases. Especially its bark’s cooling and soothing effect is good to the human body. It is mainly used in Ayurvedic medicines, it improves complexion, relives thirst and burning sensation, expels worms and reduces swelling in the body. It also purifies blood, reduces pain, stops bleeding and gives an energizing effect. This is mainly used for the treatment of excessive bleeding and uterus related ailments.
Here is a home remedy for leucorrhoea: Take the bark of this tree 2 tholas, Milk ½ seers, water ½ seers. Boil them together in low flame till only milk is left out, filter it and give regularly to keep control of the menstrual flow, it maintains a normal level.
Powder this tree's flowers, mix it with water and take, it is very effective for diarrhea with blood discharge. Ayurvedic books suggest: continuous use of Ashokaarishta (a liquid medicine prepared by using the parts of this tree) is very useful and effective for curing many diseases of women. Take ½ ounce of this tonic, mix it with equal quantity of water and continualy use it after meals. It will stop excessive bleeding in women, reduce leucorrhoea and relive headaches. It is proved and reported that the continuous use of this medicine completely cured leucorrhoea.
Bael Tree,This tree is closely connected with god Shiva. It is treated as yet another sacred tree. It is said that Lord Shiva is pleased by offerings of leaves from the Bael Tree, especially on the day of shivaratri festival. Planting this tree around the houses and temples are equally considered as worshiping god Shiva. In fact offering this tree leaves is a compulsory ritual of Shiva worship.
Its botanical name is Aegle marmelos. It is also used for medicinal purposes. Every part of this tree is very useful for different ailments like diarrhoea, intestinal problems, amoebic dysentery, irritable bowel etc. and is also used for different Ayurvedic formulations.
This is another plant/tree—some grows like trees— which got a prominent place in Hindu and Muslim marriages. Henna is commonly known as Mehndi in Hindi and other languages, it’s a fascinating gift of nature and is an essential item in Hindu marriage ceremonies. This plants generally grows in hedges and a paste prepared from its leaves are used for applying on hands and feet especially on marriage ceremonies and other Hindu festivals. The Muslim community also uses this to decorate brides. These days it is a fashion among even the western countries. More on this can be read at this knol. Mehndi the Fascinating Gift of Nature.
A Full grown Henna Tree Pic by Bijin
Anybody knows about this wonderful gift of nature will claim unanimously that it makes any woman beautiful and beautiful one doubly beautiful. It knows no age barriers, no complexion differences, and no regional, caste or creed changes.
Women-the most sophisticated of them-go all traditional with rich, red mehndi on their hands and feet. This plant grows in hedges and its natural color known as mehndi green, when ground and applied on hand it turns a warm red color.No Indian festival, marriage or any auspicious occasion is incomplete without mehndi giving its final touch. This fascinating beauty and captivating warmth has been existing in the nature ever since man can remember. However, its use as a beauty aid started only in the first century.
This is yet another tree to which the Hindus give high respect. Its leaves, fruit and trunk have significant roles in Hindu religious and social ceremonies. The Hindu devotees hang its leaves at their door posts during the time of most of their festivals. It is believed that hanging leaves at the entrance of houses, shops and other business establishments bring good fortune. Its importance is mentioned in the Ramayana, Mahaabhaaratha and puranaas. Mango fruit symbolizes love and fertility. In almost all Hindu religious ceremonies a pot filled with water and topped with fresh leaves of mango trees and a coconut is considered as an important item in the pooja services. The pot symbolizes the Mother Earth, Water the life giver, the coconut the divine consciousness and the mango leaves denotes life. In short the complete set of the pot is called "Poornakumbha" it represents goddess Lakshmi who stands for good luck or fortune.
Mango blossoms are used on Basant Panchami day in the worship of Goddess Saraswasti. The tree is also sacred to the Buddhists because it is believed that Lord Buddha performed during his lifetime the instantaneous creation of a large mango tree from the seed at a place called Shravasti.
Coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is an integral part of Kerala’s history, lifestyle and economy. Its fruit the “coconut” is widely used in Kerala cuisine like aviyal (see this link for the author PV’s knol AVIYAL: KERALA'S OWN CURRY aviyal cuisine) coconut chutney, fish moilee and many other varieties of curries. Tender coconut's milk is used for making kerala’s famous Appam (a kind of dosa) and Kozhikkari—Chicken curry used mainly on Christmas and Ester festivals. In fact coconuts are widely used in Kerala’s cuisine. Tender coconut’s juice is a famous drink in hot summer season and its tender insider meat is eaten raw.
The tender coconut is a summer drink, PV enjoys a coconut drink.
Notice the Mango leaves hanged on top of this road side shop.
This is yet another tree which the Hindu households give a special place in their life. The name of this tree is originated from the Sanskrit word “Kalpa Virksha” which means ‘the tree which meets every need of a person in his life’. It is one of the most useful trees in the southern states of India. People use its wood for making houses and bridges. Its whole leaves are used for making thatched roofs. Its strips of leaves are used for making baskets, hats, mats and other beautiful craft items which are an attraction to the visiting tourists in Kerala. Its husk is used to manufacture coir, and is woven into ropes and doormats and other furnishing materials. The shells of the coconuts are carved into different shapes and make craft items which are an attraction to the foreign tourists.
The farmers of this tree make a kind of sweet drink called 'toddy' or tuba from the sap of the tree's blossoms. Its sap
is also used for making sugar, vinegar and other beverages.
In Kerala, every household plants this tree at their courtyard. It is a very common sight to see houses surrounded with these trees. One cannot find a single house without this tree. "Plant a coconut plant and water it for five years, then reap coconut for life" This is a common saying among the people of Kerala. This is true in a sense, that it gives its fruits for years without requiring much manure or water. Once it starts giving fruits, not much service is needed and it produces coconuts for years. A well tended coconut tree produces at least a minimum of 50 to 100 coconuts a year. A solid dried coconut meat commonly known as "kopra" is used for producing coconut oil. This oil is so delicious and Kerala households use it for cooking foods. This oil is also used for manufacturing soaps. and other beauty items. The coconut is an important item in Hindu ceremonial functions and worship (Pooja) services. Breaking of a coconut in the initial stage of any function is considered as very auspicious. Coconut is also offered in temples during worship services. It is also believed that this fruit represents the Hindu god Shiva and the three buttons like mark at the side of the coconut is symbolized god Shiva’s eyes.
This is a flowering tree in the family of “Fabacea”. Konna Maram or Kanikkonna in Malayalam is an important tree in the Hindu religious festival called Vishu. Vishu is celebrated as the Malayalam New Year mainly in the central and northern parts of Kerala. This festival is also known as the harvest festival of Kerala which is celebrated every year in April 14th . In this festival this tree’s flowers are a major object in the vishukkani or kanikaanal ceremony which is the main celebration. According to the belief and system of Kerallites in this festival at this auspicious occasion of kani kaanal (first Sight) would be lucky for the whole year. Its flower has a very ritual importance in this ceremony; this flower is placed in the prominent place in the kanikaanal materials.
A GST from Secunderabad, A.P Pic. by Bijin.
GST and its flowers are depicted on twenty different Indian postal stamps. It is also featured on a 2003 Joint Canadian—Thai design for a 48 cent stamp—part of a series of featuring of national emblems.
A GST Picture From Kerala.by Rijin Thachanalil
GST is is widely cultivated in different parts of Kerala as an ornamental plant. When the tree is in its full blooms its flowers are totally covered and sometimes the trunk and its leaves won’t be visible. It blooms in spring season.
This tree’s flower is the state flower of Kerala, India, and also the national flower of Thailand.
GST and its parts like the flowers, fruits, trunk, root etc. are used in medicinal purposes. In Ayurvedic medicine it is known as ‘aragvadha’ or “Disease killer”. Diseases like arthritis, nervous system disorders, blood related diseases like hemorrhages, different cardiac conditions and stomach related diseases like acid reflux are being treated with its fruit pulp.
Neem Tree
Neem Trees growing on the side of a footpath
Pic. Credit: Bijin T Thomas
This is yet another important tree the Hindus treat with much reverence. It is popularly known as ‘the miracle tree’. In Sanskrit it is called “Arishtha” means ‘the reliever of diseases’
this tree is a common tree in India and is also known as ‘village tree’. Neem or Margosa is a botanical cousin of Mahogany. It belongs to the family Meliaceae. The Latinized name of Neem - Azadirachta indica - is derived from the Persian word: “Azadirakht” That is, Azad = Free, dirakht = Tree, i - Hind = of Indian Origin which literally means: ‘The Free Tree of India’. For a brief background, chemical investigations of neem click here Chemistry of Neem
A Neem Tree near a Hindu Temple
at Secunderabad A.P
pic. credit. Bijin
Neem trees curative and protective powers are noteworthy. It has an important religious aspect too in the Hindu religion. According to the tradition or myths, it is believed that, Indra—the king of Celestial—bestowed neem with its unbelievable power. The story says, after obtaining the golden pot of ambrosia from demons he spilled the ambrosia on a neem tree making it blessed with many good qualities that can cure many diseases. Another myth is that insects are said to be the creation of evil demons and neem trees weakens the insects and thereby protects human beings. There are many such stories connected with neem trees and its miraculous healing power.
Ancient texts like Vedas (basis of Ayurvedic tradition) indicates the medicinal value of neem. Yet another ancient text written by Varahamihira (AD 505) sometimes known as ‘the encyclopedia of Indian Culture.” Had a mention of this wonderful tree.
This tree can be seen in every Indian household. Its leaves are hanged on the entrance of the doorpost and are believed that it wards off evil spirits, and also believe that it is a passage to heaven. In the Indian villages the new born babes are laid on its leaves and believe that it gives them a protective appearance. The brides before marriage take bath in the water filled with these leaves. It is established that Neem trees releases more oxygen than any other trees. In short it’s a miracle tree and can find its mention in the ancient texts.
In the northern part of Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu the people use its dried and powdered tubulars as a stimulating tonic. It has number of medicinal usages; its every part is used for this purpose. Especially in most of the Ayurvedic medicine it is an essential item. Oil made from this tree is used in medicines as well as in pest control and cosmetic industries. Its leaves are an important part used in treating Chickenpox. Yet another belief of Hindu religion, Sithala the 'goddess of chickenpox' lives in neem trees. Neem tea is another drink usually used for treating headache and fever. Its flowers are used for intestinal problems. Its barks acts as an analgesic and be used to cure high fever like malaria. Its leaves are used for curing some skin diseases. Some even believe that this can even purify human bodies.
Other than medicinal uses it has got many other uses in India. Some parts of the country people use its twigs as tooth brush. It is also used as a rehabilitating plant in waste land regions. Its pulps are used for producing methane gas. It acts as carbohydrate and a rich base for other industrial fermentation. Its barks are used in mass tanning and dyeing in industries. In some part of southern states, its woods are used to make furniture. In the cultivation of sugarcane, vegetable and many other crops, its cakes are used as a fertilizer. To face the global warming many countries are constantly cultivating neem tree as a major crop. The Worldwide Neem Foundation is playing an important role in making awareness among people about neem and its importance.
This tree can be grown in any soil like clayey, dry, stony or shallow. It requires very little water and needs more sunlight. It grows from its seeds as well as from its cuttings.
A Banyan Tree is protected!! A scene from my city Secunderabad, A.P.
Pic. by Bijin
Though there are people who try to put their axe on the tree there are some exception to this. A good number of people who respect and try to protect its existence. The above given narrations about trees are few of the examples in this category. Here is a picture it speaks volumes, A tree is protected! instead of cutting down, the compound wall is built in such a way for the existence of this old tree.
Yet another Earth Day—22nd April—passed by, Tree lovers and environmentalists did their part to promote their cause by planting tree saplings and various other connected activities. Let us continue to do this and many other things like avoiding usage of plastic bags, instead buy and use personal care natural products, use only reusable bags, limit the usage of water, like uncontrollable usage of showers, vessels, cloth washing etc. If we take little more care in our daily activities we can control the usage of water and thereby help the mother earth to survive.
Planting Trees for her future, India's village women plant saplings,
Pic. Credit. mckaysavage.
Let us be more careful while using water in our daily life. Limit the usage of personal vehicle instead take a bus trip or share a vehicle, by this one can reduce the emission of air pollution. If each one do this there will be a tremendous cut in the environmental air pollution. Let this be a practice in our daily life not only on such particular days but also in our everyday life. This will definitely be a help in saving our earth from a quick ruin. The best part of all these is each one plant a tree that will make a great difference in our environmental pollution as well as our own existence on this earth.
In the above picture, as part of a religious ceremony Indian women plant new saplings, and their little girl keenly watching.
The latest developments in my city - Hyderbad
The latest news on these issue is that, The Times of India’s yesterdays (15th Aprl) edition published a news item under the title "Trees get axe effect for Rosaiah's heli-hop" the news says, "Chief minister K Rosaiah may have not used his helipad adjacent to the Secretariat even once, but overzealous officials thought it was best that the area around it was cleared. So, as many as 24 trees on the footpath in front of the helipad were axed late on Tuesday night, to ensure that the CM enjoys a smooth chopper ride, in case he proposed to fly out from here.
City environmentalists staged a dharna (protest march) at the spot on Wednesday and said that the felling was carried out by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) as the trees may have caused hindrance to the CM's chopper. The trees were identified as gulmohar, neem and peltophorans."
The tree lovers raised protest against such actions, they say, "They could have opted for trans-location if it was such a necessity. Why chop them so ruthlessly?" environmentalists questioned.”
On Wednesday, members of various social groups like Forum for a Better Hyderabad (FBH), Cova and Puccar demanded stringent action against the concerned officials. Click Here to Read more:
These are some of the serious issues happening in all over the world, the people who cut or fell the trees should find an alternative arrangement to raise or plant more trees. The tree lovers should join together and form such forums to save trees from the destructing hands of these types of cruel people.
The people who initiate removing of trees from this earth should take note that they are putting an axe on the very existence of their life. Let them plant more sapling in its place. Planting of saplings through school and college level will make a big difference to this serious threat. Let us introduce awareness programs in school and university levels. The tree lovers group or forums, and of course the media print and web can play a vital role in this to promote this awareness among people.
A Call From Greenpeace India—Earth Day Give Earth A Hand
Here is an interesting video to watch on this day (The World Environment Day). This is posted by Greenpeace India Organization. They posted a note along with the video it says: "Happy world environment day! Years of neglecting our most precious resource have caused damage all around the world, and it will only get worse if the exploitation continues."
A Music Video captured at the outset of Amazon Rain-forest.
YouTube Video
Amazon Rain-forest Relaxation Video
Here is yet another video to watch.
This video gives a glimpse of the rain forest's beauty as well as a soothing music. A good relaxation music video in the midst of serious thoughts on the subject tree.
Please enjoy the music and relax.
Thanks for your valuable time.
Yet Another Music Video - Please Enjoy: by Aerial PV - Forest of Rain
Trees in Europe and in the city (Luxembourg-Europe)...
Hi Phil,
I
would like to present to You and our visitors and followers my country
"Luxembourg" in Europe with a song, an anti-racism song by youth
(actually a hit in my country, I love it...), watch the video and see
lots of trees even in the City itself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbyCtbGZyeM, enjoy and feel young ;-)
BTW: You will listen to my mother tongue language "Luxembourgish"...
Luxembourg-City
is one of the rare cities who have lots of parks and trees in the world
in the City itself, but where is Luxembourg (Europe) situated: http://goo.gl/2Y3sw.
Hi Gust,
I
really missed this comment, just today only i noticed. Its really a
wonderful video, beautiful scenes and lovely music. Lovey country too, I
am sure one day i will visit this lovely place :-)
Thanks for sharing
I posted a comment at YouTube too.
Best regards
Phil
PS:
I do not know how i missed it not received any intimation from knol
Yet another environment day is fast approaching,
Let us re-dedicate our-self for a clean and pure
Environment. Let us tell others about the seriousness
of keeping our environment clean and fresh by planting
more and more tree saplings in and around our surroundings.
This June 5th may be a different one.
We Wish All our Visitors and Readers A Happy & Clean Environment Day.
Read, Think and Act. Best.. regards.
Philips & Associates.
Its amazing!!! This knol is a trending knol today!! In an hour 171 pvs.
When
I was updating the knol its weekly pv was 133 after an hour i found it
as 304 that is 171 pvs in one hour, and now after 5 hours its showing a
weekly pv of 435. Indeed its today's trending knol. This shows that
knol is still alive and kicking. lol.
Happy news on this Happy Earth Day.
Thanks to all my visitors, and co-authors.
Best regards. Phil
Posted by Gust MEES, last edited Apr 22, 2011 11:10 AM
Hi Gust.
Thanks a lot.
I
was about to shoot a pvt mail to you, since you posted this let me
speak here, pl. do have a look at it again at the body if anything moved
up and down or to and fro, pl do check and do the needful, sorry for
the extra trouble.
Happy Weekend.
Best.
Phil
Hi All,
This
years Earth day is celebrated today, Social web sites and some of the
major search engines are taken a special initiative to promote this day
in a more informative way. Few foot notes are added today in this
connection.
Thanks to all team members
Happy Earth Day to all
Best regards,
Phil
The
photos here are magnificent interpretations of God's creative ability,
more than our mere words can describe. As the poet, Joyce Kilmer, said:
"Poems are made by fools like me/But only God can make a tree."
Hi Joyce,
Thanks
for dropping in and for the wonderful comments, Yes, I fully agree with
you that the nature speaks volumes about the creativity of the Lord
Almighty than our words. Thanks for the Great thoughts. and the
wonderful quote of Poet Joyce Kilmer.
Best Regards
Keep reading
Philip
I
made some improvements on text formatting in this knol. @Phil, You are
talking about your village, advice: I would like to see some photos
(readers probably also...), might be good to bring some photos in that
section of the knol ;-)
Also tweeted it now on Twitter ;-)
PS: also many thanks for your kind and encouraging words on KPG...
Hi Gust,
Thanks
for the improvements made, i checked in here yesterday itself but the
button post reply to this comment was so adamant that it was not
responding, several attempts failed and again today i tried in the first
few attempts i couldn't get a fav. response but, thank God, at last i
am here, Yes, Gust i will post some pics from my village but alas now
its not a village at all its like a mini town, population increase and
the developments made lot of changes. still i will post some pics for
that section shortly.
thanks Gust
Best regards
phil
Hi Gust,
Thanks for the post,
Its really amazing,
Will you please post it in the body of the text, in an appropriate place.
Thanks in advance.
Have Good day
Best regards,
Phil
PS:
Dear Gust, I added yet another music video at the end of the text.
Pl do have a check and do the needful. Thanks Gust for the link connection.
Best
Phil
ആ
Australian tree cutterഎന്തൊരു ഭീകര ജീവി! ഒന്നാലോചിച്ചാൽ ആ
കാണുന്നത് കൊലപാതകമല്ല, ഒരു വിളവെടുപ്പു മാത്രം. നെല്ലു വിതച്ചിട്ടു
കയ്യുന്നതുപോലെ .അങ്ങിനെ ചിന്തിച്ചു സമാധാനിക്കണം
Dear
James, there was some server problem thus this delay to check your
comment, yes, you can take it that way too "samaadhaanikkaam" , but i am
sure its really pity the condition, i mean the speed in which we are
killing one by one. So sad indeed.
I am now at the "panippura" of
this knol to put this into the Malayalam language, just completed 42%
more to go. now i am able to type it in Malayalam even when the net is
off line, i just downloaded the karthika font from the net.
Hope everything is well with you.
Keep in touch.
Thanks again for the comment.
best
philip
Thanks Dr. for the nice compliment.
Pl. do contribute your knowledge at
this knol. Now it is under Moderated collaboration,
in the near future we may go to the other collaboration.
With kind regards,
Philip
Hi PV and Team,
This
knol is very timely and packed with lot of information and references,
Human beings existence in a way depends on trees and as said in the knol
trees can play an important role in reducing the alarming global
warming. Thanks for insight of this knoll, very educative and
informative too.
I am glad that you accepted me as a co-author to your knolls, Thanks,
With good wishes
Carl
I
must apologize for taking so long to thank you for including the
information about my book "PersonaiTrees" in you post! This is my first
book and I had no idea what was involved in publishing a book--so I have
been busy trying to keep up with an unanticipated schedule of signings
and interviews and working on finishing up Book # 2 in the series for
publication next Spring (meaning a deadline at the end of this month).
Just know that I am grateful to you for your energy and time spent on our tree friends!! Keep up the great work!
Hi Joan,
Thanks
for the comment, no worries, yes,I understand your busy schedules, Yes,
you responded earlier via mail. Keep going my dear friend. Keep writing
and keep inform.
All Good Wishes for the future endeavors.
Ha!! Take care about your health too.
Best regards,
Philip
This is a very good excellent knol and its layout is superb.
May
I ask what happened with the KAF contest, apply, then withdraw... WHY
all of this moves.. It is just a contest and the membership to KAF is
optional, it is not a must
That
was an attempt by one of my co-author MD without the consent of me or
any other coauthors. When I explained him about the situation, at once
he withdraw it.
Since I am a member of KPG and KPG is one of the
co-authors I thought its better to be apart from that contest conducted
by KAF. Since most of the KPG members disassociate with KAF I thought
its better not to post and MD agreed to me and he withdraw the same and
posted and apology too, accordingly KAF accepted it too.
Mak, I
too made my stand on this at the comment column. Since you raised the
issue again I wrote this much. Mak, I would like to put a full stop to
this conversation on this issue. I am really sorry for the slip
happened.
We wish you all the best for the contest and its participants
Dear PV,
This
knol is growing like a palm tree. Slow and steady win the race, Yes the
comments here speaks volume. many five stars and applauds received for
this knol.
Keep it up PV,
Since I am still on tour I could not contribute much, i will surely post some information here.
Congrats pv
good luck
MD
Dear Murali,
Thanks,
without the support of people like you and others, this would not have
been possible, thanks for the nice thoughts. Keep in touch.
Rgds,
PV
What
can I say Philip? ... it is top quality from Title to the Image Source.
A fine example of what a Knol should be. Great layout, great pictures
and a very important topic. You have generously shared your success with
so many others here. Let's hope they are all inspired by your fine
Knol, and will each contribute Knols of a similar standard. Stamps ...
Trees .... What's next? Peter
Peter –
Thank
you so much. I am much elated by the kind words. I give all credit to
all my supporters here, especially the KPG team members for the
relentless support and encouragement to create such knols. Yes, Peter,
there are some new subjects in mind, hope very shortly I can come up
with that.
With all Good wishes
Philip
An easy to do small tip when text is gluing on an image:
In
"Edit mode": click the image and chose "right" when the image was
"left" orientated and than again "left" and so on... The text will than
become again "free" from the image and not "gluing" on the image. There
might be also an other solution, but that is an easy one which I am
using also, it's a quick solution. No idea why fore this happens in
Knol?
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Apr 29, 2010 1:55 PM
Brilliant
Gust. I gave it a go on Philip's images and it worked. All the text is
now separated from the images with a 'margin' or boarder space. The HTML
way that I used was to insert "Margin-right = 6px" into the image code,
but your way is so simple. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Apr 30, 2010 11:26 PM
Hi Phil,
"Moderated
comments" is the best solution You can make. Comments will only show up
when You allow them, they will be visible first to You and not to all
the visitors. Only when You agree the content of the comments visitors
will see the comments. The best solution to avoid that "bad intentioned"
people (trolls) bring their graffiti on knols ;-)
Posted by Gust MEES, last edited May 1, 2010 7:15 AM
Hi Gust --
That is really good idea,
Thanks for the further information on this subject.
Thanks again Gust, for the revision in layout
best rgds.
philip
Here
is a great example of a quality Knol. It is recognized by Google Knol
with a 'Top Pick' badge and by your peers and fellow KPG members as an
outstanding contribution to the Knol library. You have proved once more
your ability to research and present a case for topics that you are
passionate about. You are to be commended for sharing your success with
so many contributors. Keep up the good work.
Thanks KPG for the encouraging comment.
I am so grateful to the Team for the support and guidance rendered to me in developing my knols into recognized ones.
Expecting more of such guidance.
With Warm Regards
Yours faithfully
Philip
Hi Gust,
Thank
you so much for this rare honor, really speaking I am much elated by
this great honor that you bestowed upon me and counted my knol and
myself into the top knol authors list by adding it into the ebook and
into your other knol.
With kind regards
phil
PS: Gust the second link is broken, pl check. Thanks.
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Apr 21, 2010 12:36 PM
Hi Phil and co-authors,
First,
a well designed Knol and a knol who is talking about what Mother Earth
is talking to us and also a Knol who is well written, regarding this,
needs to get honored ;-)
You are on the right way, keep it going like that ;-)
Thanks
for the invitation which I accepted with pleasure. I made a little bit
fine-tuning ;-) I must say that You learned a lot from KPG members and
that Your knols are getting really great now. Keep on the good work. It
is a pleasure for me to see that people have learned and that they are
making good progress.
What You still need to do is to find the exact web addresses from the images and display them under the images, please.
I will come back tomorrow and/or keep an eye on the knol to give assistance if necessary...
Hi Gust,
I
am so happy that you accepted my invitation, and thanks for your
initial help, hope you find some time for me. Yes, KPG team members
continuous encouragement and help made me to go further with my knols, i
am still working on those lines to improve my existing low traction
knols.
Yes, i am giving the exact web link of the images, since some links are long i am giving it below at the source space.
c u
Good Wishes
Philip
Posted by Gust MEES, last edited Apr 21, 2010 4:26 AM
Hi Gust,
This
is really very informative and educative, thanks a lot for the step by
step guidance, and the example. wonderful, I will put this into
practice.
I just visited the other link, that too is another great tutorial for the knol authors,
Thank you ones again for your precious time kept aside for me.
love
philip
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Apr 21, 2010 12:14 PM
Hi Phil ;-) and co-authors,
Thanks
a lot, comments to us is our "earning", no money but the result of hard
working to bring knowledge to other people. We love to share our
knowledge, that is why for Google Knol is, no?
You might have
also a look on comments which we as KPG Members are writing... Mostly of
time, we give some good advices also on our comments, which one day
(???) when we got the time to look at ourself, might result as a new
knol, a "Tutorial Knol", who ever knows???
I'm
in contact with different persons (genuine language speaking) to get
them translated in the next months (???) in German and in English, needs
time and a lot of work again, again, again...
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Apr 21, 2010 1:16 PM
Hi Phil,
My
specialty, PC Security (in French) actually, apart being a person who
gives courses about ITC (Information Technologies and Communication)
will be found here (in French):
Hi
Gust, Thank you so much for the encouraging words, and the 5*. but
still it needs some look like the stamp knol, its really not completed
still more to add in the text as well need a final touch in design. Ha!
and I hope you can spare little time for that Midas touch, i am sending
and invite for this purpose, hope you accept.
lovingly
yours
phil
So
happy to read your knol, and ah! Congrats to you pv for the great
achievement. I am delighted to see my photograph along with it. my
sincere thanks to you for adding that photograph.
Keep it up pv. Expecting more of such knols from your pen.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely
Bijin T Thomas
Nellickamon, Ranny
This
is a really commendable write--well researched, with a passionate plea
to take care of trees for our own good. It is indeed tragic that we
thoughtlessly keep felling trees in the name of development or whatever.
If only the authorities would listen to caring
environmentalists and use their clout to stop unnecessary felling of
trees and plant more!
Thanks
Mesjay for the insight on this issue, Yes, its a serious one but our
authorities are least bothered to look into it on a positive approach.
Let us make some awareness among our circles about its seriousness.
I am posting an invitation to co-author to this knol.
Keep inform.
Rgds.
Ariel
You
have done a deep study on this topic & well arranged too! This is a
topic we used to ignore in our lives. The effect of 'global warming' is
now realized by Indian people by 'local warming'. Here in Kerala also
it is like burning..! No tees at all in towns to protect us from sun
burn!!!! No shadows to take rest for a while!!!
I invite your
attention to the subject 'precious water' as the availability of pure
water is also in an alarming situation. Hope we could read a classic
knol on this subject later :)
I noticed that some links are not working:
'Trees get axe effect for Rosaiah's heli-hop'
'Robin B Foster, Robin B. Foster from the University of Chicago Press'
Then, is there cricket in ur child hood days ? was it popular in Kerala at that time ?? I liked that portion of pumpkin.. :)
Thank you Rejoy, for the encouraging comment and the new thoughts, Yes, some links are broken, i will check it.
And
ah! there was a friend among us who was a cricket fan and he taught us
some of the tricks of that game and was very interesting, of course he
was the hero too. LOL, No, that was not at all popular what to say many
do not even know what it is.
Good Wishes
philip
sorry pv as i was on tour i could not respond to you before I will
definitely contribute more to this knol, Your effort will be more
fruitful.
Thank you
MD
Thanks Murali for accepting my invitation, happy that you did your part.
No worries the pics are incorporated. needs more of your help especially on your religious part.
Thanks again for your help.
best
philip
P
V Your attempt to create an awareness among the people about the
seriousness of their doing towards tree is worth considering, Its good
thing that you dealt this subject deeply, it looks like its not finished
yet, yes you need to elaborate it little more with more pictures and
data. Thanks
yours sincerely
Muralidharan Nair
Thanks
Murali for the timely response, Yes, its a serious issue and we all
need to think it very seriously to curtail this problem. Keep reading,
can you pl contribute something to this knol i just posted an invitation
pl think on this request and spare some time from your busy schedule.
with thanks and regards,
pv
I
wish to encourage you to go further in your research and make this Knol
a comprehensive and authoritative record of spiritual and historical
guidance on the significance and importance of our tree canopy. This is a
good start. I encourage you to read "Silent Spring" by Rachael Carson
and to factor in some of her wisdom, which is credited as the wellspring
of the environmental movement: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Spring.
This could be a five star Knol with your continued work.
Murry,
Thank
you very much for the encouraging note, and yes, I am working on it and
hope that like my philately one it may lead to some heights LOL
keep
in touch and i need your help i know you are a busy person but still I
would like to extend/request a co-authorship to this knol, hope you find
some time.
Best Rgds.
philip
A
well documented Knol. I appreciate that this is one of the few Knols
providing a deeper historical importance of the tree, and on tree
preservation.
Trees are certainly alive and have spiritual selves
just like all living things. A great compliment to any tree, nature, or
spiritual enthusiast is a beautiful book of quotes and photography by
Joan Klostermann-Ketels, titled PersonaliTrees. http://www.personalitreesbook.com
Thank
you Melissa Burns for your nice comment, sorry for the delay in
replying to it. I am planning to revise this knol with more added
information, i would like to invite you to co-author this knol.
With Best Wishes
philip
Very good stuff about the indispensable part plants play in our lives.
May
be you might laugh at me for this but our Indian life style is way
better than westerners in this regard. The amount of toilet paper they
use is responsible for a the untimely demise of a large part of Amazon
Forests.
He he..but its a fact.
I really regret for the delay in posting a reply to your comment, Yes in that case I fully agree with you.LOL
hey what about some new knols here. keep writing, My knol on philately procured a top badge.
regds
philip
in the bible a tree is a symbol for a man who has his feet on earth and his head on heaven .
the fall of mankind occurred when man attacked the connection to god, symbolized by a tree (book of genesis)
adam and eve abused the tree as their private property (like mankind do today).
the bible has promised us a new tree wich restores the connection between earth and heaven .
maybee our knol star structure, as a model for all the earth, will become that tree .
Thanks
KS for accepting my request. Yes man is symbolized to a tree in the
Bible. In book of Psalm 1 verse 3 speaks of a blessed man, the psalmist
compare him to a tree planted near to the rivers of waters. He says,
“And He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, that
bringeth fourth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither,
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. More at this link. http://knol.google.com/k/p-v-ariel/let-s-not-despise-the-word-of-god/12c8mwhnhltu7/13
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 19, 2009 8:46 AM
it is also interesting that the birth of jesus is combined with a tree (christmas tree),
whereas his life ended on a dead tree-derived trunk .
and jesus himself ? he called himself the true vine .
in the bible, the vine is also a tree , see judges 9, 12:
then the trees said to the vine, 'come and be our king.'
further isaiah 11: 1
and there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots .
further jeremiah 23: 5
the days are coming,” declares the lord,“when I will raise up to david a a righteous branch
in
our body, there is also the tree structure : our veins are a tree, our
nerves are a tree, our neurons are trees . i'm convinced that in the
center of our brain there is a big neuron - tree .
for programmers the tree is a very important structure .
and last not least. language is also tree structured .
This
is a good read, you related the existence of tree with the entire human
being and also you very well related to the religious texts too. My
sincere thanks to you for sharing this.
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 18, 2009 8:46 AM
a tree is a symbol for a man who has his feet on earth and his head on heaven .
the fall of mankind occurred when the man attacked the connection to god, symbolized by a tree
(book of genesis) .
our voting tree restores the connection between earth and heaven .
it is the kingdom for whole of humanity, which the bible has promised us.
book of daniel 4
10
Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree
in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
11 The
tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven,
and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
12 the leaves
thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for
all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the
heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
Posted by Kalle Schwarz, last edited Dec 18, 2009 8:10 PM
Thanks
KS for your encouraging quotes from the Bible. As I mentioned other
religious texts too follow suit in this. Kalle can you post this in the
main comment column. Of course its relevant here too, as you wish.
Best.
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