THE Christmas tree is very popular at this time of the year. Production of artificial and real trees are both big business. There is a huge market for all the things that go on a Christmas tree. Families from different cultures will decorate a Christmas tree in their homes for the happiness of their children. When my children were young we would cut a branch and make our own tree. As a family we still cherish those moments. Usually at Christmas time many persons criticise me for being a pandit and having in my home fairy lights and the Christmas tree. This Christmas my son that is residing in Canada told his mother not to decorate the Christmas tree before he arrives home for the holidays. He wants to be a part of that ritual.  For this reason, I wish to share our experience and symbolism of the Christmas tree.

During this festive season I have seen television programmes wherein some pastors claim that the Christmas tree has no connection with the birth of Jesus Christ and that is has a pagan origin. Some Islamic scholars have said that the Christmas tree is considered “haram” and therefore represent something evil. On the internet we can find many articles on the significance of the Christmas tree. However, to the Hindu family that celebrates Christmas, the tree represents great spiritual and philosophical insights.
Hindus have always considered trees as sacred. Worshipping is performed with the neem tree, Tulsi Plant, Banana plant Pepal tree, Sandal tree bamboo tree etc. Poojas such as the Banas-pati Puja is performed for the flourishing of all vegetation. Thousands of years ago Hindu Saints encouraged us to perform rituals for clean air and water.
The Journey of Life:
The Christmas tree always has at its base lots of gifts with decorative figures hanging all around with fairy lights. On the top is a five-pointed star. Viewed from a mystic perspective there is great significance and devotional beauty in the Christmas tree.
On the commencement of the journey of a spiritual/worldly life there are numerous distractions (the gifts at the base of the tree) if we are over- powered by the material desires and attractions, then we will not take the first step forward and venture into the spiritual realm. Our place will forever be at the base of the tree. This creates barriers, preventing us from experiencing the fruits and breeze in the tree once we begin to climb.
Each branch of the tree enables us to climb farther up once we focus on the star at the top. If however we become attracted to the beautiful figures and bright lights hanging around the tree we will be unable to move again. The snares of delusion will constantly be present. On the other hand, if we are committed and resolute to our cause the tree itself will sustain us with its healthy fruits and comforting shade.
The five-pointed, bright star is the ultimate goal. It represents our total existence. The five points signify the five material components of the human body and the light represents the God within us. To reach the star is to achieve self-realisation (moksha). At this stage we experience true happiness. Here we are free from the twin evils of hatred (dwasha) and attachment (raga). Since we are now free from desires and pride, there is no place for malice and hypocrisy.
These days more than ever hypocrisy and heresy are on the increase. Imposters entrap the innocent in the name of religion and miracles. These imposters declare themselves as exalted souls just for the sake of honour, exultations, adoration and to deprive the innocent of their material resources. It is for this reason the bright star symbolises the following five austerities of the mind;- (1) Cheerfulness, (2) placidity, (#) meditation, (4) Control of desires and (5) Mental purity.

Protecting the Environment:
Vedic teachings have had a profound, positive impact on the environment. For over 5,000 years people were mindfully using and caring for natural resources. There is a long tradition of encouraging people of freeing captured animals, promoting vegetarianism and reminding everyone to value the gifts of nature. This tradition of nurturing the natural world continues to this day.
Environmental pollution and ecological destruction have reached the point where there are serious threats to the health of mankind. The Christmas tree serves as a reminder to us to make sure we give future generations a fair chance to live and work in peace and happiness on a healthy and thriving planet.
Unfortunately, in most countries we observe and hear about the thoughtless acts of deforestation, the dumping of toxic waste, the emission of harmful gases in the air and the discharging of waste water and raw sewerage whenever necessary. These acts have contributed in every way to air and water pollution and the general ecological degradation. Since the United Nations Earth Summit in 1992, international support for conversation and environmental protection has grown.  In this regard, Guyana is playing its part with its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Impact of thoughts on the environment
Earlier I said that the five points of the star represent the five austerities of the mind. Now the question can be asked: what has the mind to do with the environment? The Christmas tree is the silent reminder that if we desire the protection of the physical environment, we have to take good care of our internal spiritual environment. The Buddhist Vimalakttrti Sutra  says: “ If one wants to be in a pure land, then one should purify the mind.” What this means is that the environment in which we live is a reflection of our states of mind. To improve the environment we cannot ignore the inner landscape.
Our Pure nature has been defiled by greed, hatred, anger, malice and jealousy. These negative qualities keep us bound to the root of the tree. In order to begin to climb we must work to turn greed into generosity, anger into compassion, jealousy into appreciation and malice into respect. When we change the way we think and the way we view situations; we know we are on the path to being  at peace with ourselves.
Environment and Spiritualism
At the Buddha’s Light International Conference held in March 1992, there was a workshop to promote “Environmental and Spiritual Protection.” Everyone was encouraged to start with beautifying one’s mind and heart and then to extend outwards into beautifying the environment. The following are the 12-point guidelines that were collectively agreed upon.
1.       Speak softly–avoid disturbing others.
2.       Keep the Ground clean-eliminate littering.
3.       Keep the air clean–do not smoke or pollute.
4.       Respect self and others–avoid committing violent acts.
5.       Be polite–avoid intruding upon others.
6.       Smile–avoid facing others with an angry expression.
7.       Speak Kindly–avoid using abusive words.
8.       Follow the rules–do not seek exemptions or privileges.
9.       Mind your actions–avoid violation of the rules of ethics.
10.   Consume consciously–do not waste.
11.   Live with a purpose- -avoid living aimlessly.
12.   Practise Kindness–avoid creating malicious thoughts.

Walking Tall:
At this time of the year, let us be reminded to save and plant trees. In our daily lives it is easy to be wasteful. As an example, consider paper for a moment. A tree that takes 50 years to grow can be chopped down in five minutes. Yet for every ton of paper recycled we can save 10 trees. We must learn to treasure plant life. Even a blade of grass is vital because it purifies the air we breathe. When we save a tree or plant a tree we are making the world a little greener and better for ourselves and others. This course of thinking and acting demonstrates that we are being mindful in everything we do and use. We do so because it is a divine duty.
Take a look at a high tree and think of how many years it took to become so tall. Learn from the tree that if you want to walk tall, you must invest patience, courage, determination, sound judgment and wisdom. Just as the lotus flower rises out of the muddy mire of the pond. So too we can you rise above the turbidity of the world and blossom with pristine qualities, then reach the place of the five-point star.
Buddhist Quotation:
Value every word – this is the etymology of dignity.
Treasure every grain of rice – This is the ground of wealth,
Speak with care – this is the platform of happiness,
Protect even the smallest form of life-this is the genesis of longevity

CHRISHNA PERSAUD