Our Spiritual Connection to Trees

One of the reasons that Redwood is so special is that the Redwood trees—especially the majestic old-growth Redwood trees of legend—palpably embody the very life force of nature, a kind of profound silent wisdom. Many people feel a deep sense of spiritual connection in the presence of such trees—and indeed, this awareness of the sacred quality of trees is part of what inspires our work at Old-Growth Again.

The following words capture some of the spiritual possibility of our human relationship to trees. We share them with humility and respect.

The Yoga of the Tree

A talk by Bhagavan Adi Da, April 28, 1996

In My "Sadhana [spiritual practice] Years", I experienced times when, while walking outside, as soon as I came into eye contact with the vegetation, the energy of the body would leap out. The unity with the trees would be inherently obvious—the vast space of it, the life-space of it would be revealed. I would hold the trees. I was not merely being affectionate—it wasn't that kind of a thing. My intention was to have close contact.

When I held on to the trees, I could feel the "current" working in them. It is the same as in the spinal line of the human being—very profound and equalized. They are in samadhi [meditative absorption]. Trees are true contemplatives. Their contemplation is constant.

Especially the Great Trees. There is this intense force, spinal force, central force. It is the same force as felt in the human being, when it is allowed, and unlocked from the knots.