The sacred fig tree

aśvatthaḥ sarvavṛkṣāṇāṃ devarṣīṇāṃ ca nāradaḥgandharvāṇāṃ citrarathaḥ siddhānāṃ kapilo muniḥ

Among all trees I am the sacred fig. Among divine sages, Narada. Among heavenly singers, Chitraratha. Among the perfected, the sage Kapila.

What it means

Krishna names the ashvattha, the sacred fig tree, beloved across India and the tree under which the Buddha would later find awakening. Among divine sages, Narada, the wandering singer of God's names. Among heavenly musicians, Chitraratha. Among the perfected, Kapila, teacher of deep knowledge. Nature, music and wisdom all carry his presence.

The story

Arjuna grew up hearing of Narada travelling between worlds singing, and Kapila the great teacher. Krishna says, those you most admire are windows onto me.

In your life

Find an old tree this week and stand under it for a minute. Notice its age, its patience. Let it remind you of something larger than your busy day.