Plants, herbs and especially flowers are a recurrent theme across Tibetan philosophy, depicted across their arts, philosophies and medicine.
The vast and intricate realm of plants and herbs within Tibetan medicine warrants its own discussion, perhaps for another blog. In this piece, I've aimed to offer a simple overview of plants in Tibetan art and philosophy, without delving too deeply into their complexities.
When we think of a particular flower or a plant in relation to Tibetan philosophy, a lotus clearly comes to mind, and rightly so given its popular presence and relevance.
In these philosophies and narratives, plants frequently serve as metaphors and parables, indicating their spiritual significance and their role in aiding our comprehension of the world according to Buddhist philosophies. Trees are seen closely intertwined throughout the life of the Buddha, born in the verdant Lumbini grove, attained enlightenment under a bodhi tree, and finally passed away while resting in a grove of Sal trees.
For me, trees have forever stood as steadfast, sage entities, their unwavering presence embodying both strength and gentleness, imparting lessons of patience and stoic endurance.
Whenever I contemplate the significance of trees, I am invariably reminded of Herman Hesse's reflections on trees. In Wandering, he says:
“Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.”
Sketch by Herman Hesse
Trees carry such deep metaphors and teachings offering us abundant wisdom to glean from them.
Interestingly, a mysterious flower is also spoken about in Tibetan literature, Udumbara, described as having stems resembling silk threads and bearing white bell-shaped blooms with a scent akin to sandalwood. Legend has it that this flower blooms just once every 3000 years, thus becoming a symbol of exceedingly rare occurrences. I could not find any artistic depiction of this flower.
Then, there's the Utpala, a water lily or blue lotus, frequently presented as offerings at Buddhist shrines throughout Southeast Asia. Similar to the lotus, it symbolizes purity and is the mystical blossom associated with the Green Tara (illustrated in the thanka depiction above).
Among the plethora of beautiful flowers, I must confess that I have a favorite, a flower that is seen a lot across Tibetan art, especially thankas, these are Tree Peonies or Moutan.
I find it hard to fathom the exquisite beauty of these flowers, but I'm grateful that they thrive so magnificently in Ladakh. Over the years, my mother has successfully cultivated approximately nine of these flowers in her garden, and I feel fortunate to admire their beauty every summer. In thanka paintings, they are depicted as companions to bodhisattvas, representing beauty and serenity.
Lotus, in Tibetan thanka paintings, are also often depicted with stylized forms resembling peonies.
Peony by Barbara Bash
Then there is, of course, Haritaki or Arura or Myrobalan, the universally healing plant that rests in the right hand of the Medicine Buddha. It's the inspiration behind our venture, Makoii, and I delved into it in the first blog we ever posted titled 'Makoii, Art & Healing'. :)
In Tibetan art and philosophy, flowers, plants and trees form an intricate tapestry symbolizing transcendence, purity, and interconnectedness. They provide a gentle insight into life's essence and beauty. I find that working closely with plants is profoundly enriching in terms of understanding and applying Tibetan philosophy. For starters, you establish a connection with each plant, which may be simple or complex, fostering a beautiful journey and relationship of growth and care. And as you go on to cultivate the plant, it reciprocates by cultivating within you compassion, wisdom, and a profound sense of our interconnectedness within the web of existence.
The depth of this reservoir of knowledge is such that one never feels near its conclusion.
There is much to learn.