What Is the Meaning of the Inverted Tree Example in the Gita?

O Learned and Devoted Servants of God,

[Shri Anil Antony asked: In a discussion forum, a person asked: 'What does Geeta say about an inverted tree in which roots are up and branches and leave are down? What is it saying?']

Swami replied:- The inverted tree represents the creation. The leaves, flowers, fruits, branches etc., represent the world, which is many folded. The root (cause) of the world-tree represents the creator-God. God is greater than world and hence, the root is in upward direction whereas the tree is in the downward direction. If you worship God, which means pouring water to the root, all your worldly bonds (branches, leaves etc.,) are in flourishing state. If you worship these worldly bonds, which means that if you pour water on branches, leaves, flowers etc., these worldly bonds dry up and perish. Hence, if your love-water is applied to the God (root), all your worldly bonds are saved and are alive always. If you apply your love-water to worldly bonds neglecting God (root), there is no use and your worldly bonds are not protected. Wise people pour water to the root and fools pour water on the branches, leaves, flowers etc., without understanding the real mechanism. The fool thinks that the dried leaves, flowers etc., become green if water is directly poured on them. The wise man thinks that these dry leaves, flowers etc., become alive by pouring water to the root. If you are really loving your family, stop loving your family because your love is not true love, but, foolish love. If you are loving your family, stop it and start loving God so that God will protect them and then only your love to your family is true. You can’t protect yourself and can you protect others?

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