Contribution towards Nature

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CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS NATURE
 
His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji has always had a natural affinity for birds and animals. This deep connection is likely rooted in his place of birth, Mekedatu, which is nestled in the heart of a jungle. The dense forest surrounding Mekedatu is a natural habitat teeming with a variety of exotic birds and animals. Growing up in such an environment, Sri Swamiji developed a profound appreciation for wildlife and the natural world. This early exposure to the rich biodiversity of the jungle not only fostered his love for animals but also ingrained in him a deep respect for all living beings. His experiences in this vibrant ecosystem have undoubtedly influenced his compassionate outlook and his ongoing efforts to promote harmony between humans and nature.
 
With his compassionate heart, Sri Swamiji founded Shuka Vana (Parrot Park) in 2012 within the tranquil grounds of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram in Mysuru, Karnataka, India. This extraordinary bird rehabilitation center features an impressive 50-meter-high aviary that spans an entire acre. Housing around 2,100 vibrant birds from 486 distinct species, Shuka Vana's remarkable collection earned it a Guinness World Record in 2017.
 
 
Sri Swamiji with the Guinness World Record for Shuka Vana
 
Recognizing Shuka Vana's significant contributions to avian conservation, it was invited to participate in the "Year of the Bird 2018" project. This global initiative was led by renowned organizations such as Audubon, BirdLife International, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and National Geographic, along with 190 other esteemed organizations. The project's goal was to protect birds and their habitats, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts. Through this collaboration, Shuka Vana played a vital role in the worldwide campaign to preserve bird species and their natural environments.
 
Bonsai trees and birds are Swamiji's two eyes. Nada is his voice. His breath is the Veda. --- Sri Swamiji
 
These days, trees are cut down everywhere to make place for roads and buildings. So many trees are getting felled. Certain species of trees can be shown to children only in pictures or videos. Many trees have become rare. There are some trees that survive for one or two thousand years. Replicas of such trees are the bonsai trees. Since Rama's times we have had bonsai trees in our country. As per Ramayana, Kishkindha Moolika Vana, then called Madhuvana, was safeguarded by Dadhimukha, the uncle of Sugreeva, the monkey King.
 
Sri Swamiji had an experience in childhood. His father Narasimha Sastry prepared rat poison and smeared it with honey. The child Satyanarayana swallowed not one, but nine of those pellets. He turned blue and was throwing up. Father was a physician. He sent a man to the forest to bring a leaf from a tree. After it was administered to the child as medicine, his life was saved. After this incident, father threw away all his medicines and gave up practicing medicine.
 
Once, when he was a little older, Sri Swamiji asked his father why he gave up the practice of medicine. Father narrated this episode and informed about kubja (midget) trees. He used to grow them in small pots for medicinal purposes. Sri Swamiji was fascinated by the idea. When he was about 30 years old, his interest in growing bonsai trees was rekindled.
 
It is not true that bonsai originated in China. India has had this tradition since Treta Yuga. The practice originated here and was carried to China where the technique was further developed. The original implements for creating bonsai were from India.
 
The year Sri Swamiji was born, mother Sri Jayalakshmi Mata planted a tree in the Sangameswara Siva temple precincts in Mekedatu. It got all twisted because it was entwined by snakes, the Naga devatas. During the recent renovation of the temple a few years ago, some devotees spotted this tree and brought it to the Bonsai garden in Mysuru. Visitors may see that tree in the garden. Every tree has a history behind it.
 
Forests have to be protected. Forest fires are destroying trees. Without trees, we will have no rains. Without trees, we have no medicines. From moonlight, the trees absorb medicinal qualities. Trees provide us medicines. Mrita Sanjeevini (the herb that revives the dead) is also a bonsai tree. Trees are mentioned in our Puranas in great detail.
 

Sri Swamiji performs Prakruti Puja (Puja to Mother Nature) in the Bonsai Garden, SGS Ashram, Mysuru
 
Sri Swamiji goes to each tree and listens to its raga or the sounds it makes. A tree can predict an earthquake. A tree changes its color when some natural disturbance is about to occur. Birds quiver in fright and warn us of impending calamities. Sri Swamiji brought many trees from different countries. Early in the morning when one goes near a tree and stands, one will experience a magnetic attraction with the tree. The bad vibrations dissolve and the weakness in the bones goes away.
 
Under a Banyan, or Aswattha tree one gets spiritually awakened. Mother Goddess resides in the Neem tree. From Calcutta, Sri Swamiji got a bonsai Neem tree. In the Aswattha tree resides Lord Vishnu. In the Audumbara tree Lord Datta Swami resides. Our Puranas narrate innumerable stories pertaining to trees. Humans have great attraction to trees. Each tree is a Devata (angel) to a specific person. It can reveal one's future and the history of one's ancestors whom it would have seen. Trees have great information, talent, and power in them.
 
Ancient Hindu epics describe the beauty and richness of forests. Such lush vegetation is non-existent now. Every decade, every year, every month, every day, every hour, the treasure of the earth's greenery is getting eroded. Woods that existed yesterday are cleared today. Birds and animals are left destitute with no food and shelter.
 
Sri Swamiji organizes Bonsai Conventions to bring together bonsai enthusiasts, professional tree experts, and hobbyists from different countries to exchange and share their expertise, their love for the art, and their commitment for preservation of Nature. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for ""Largest display of Bonsai trees": 2,649 trees at the World Bonsai Convention in Mysuru Ashram on 21 December 2016.
 
 
Sri Swamiji and Sri Balaswamiji during the Bonsai Convention at SGS Ashram, Mysuru
 
 
Guinness World Record for "Largest display of Bonsai trees"
 
Emphasis is placed on the importance of living close to nature, to enjoy and to benefit from its enduring beauty and therapeutic gifts. Protection of tree species, especially of those that are rich in spiritual and medicinal value, is highly stressed. Techniques for creating different aesthetic styles, and effective methods for preserving tree species, are explained, explored, and developed.
 
Sri Swamiji's vision extends way beyond that of the common man. Looking far ahead into the future, Sri Swamiji has embarked on this mission to educate every human being he comes across, on how crucial trees are for the survival of humanity. He knows that without birds, humanity will perish. Without trees, birds cannot live. If birds and trees are gone, our planet is doomed.
 
Right now, many bird and tree species are threatened with extinction due to man's ignorance, negligence, callousness, and greed. Already, many species have become extinct, and many are critically endangered. The damage to earth is increasing at an alarming pace.
 
To avert an impending catastrophe, Sri Swamiji urges every child and adult to adopt, not just one tree, but several. If there is yard space, he encourages everyone to plant and preserve trees. If space is limited, he urges everyone to learn the bonsai techniques, to safeguard tree species at least in a miniature form.
 
Important Videos
Sri Swamiji urges to plant and protect trees - https://www.facebook.com/SriSwamiji/videos/1743331849051661/