Saraca indica

 

Heidi Nordlund

 

Spring, 2010

 

Ethnobotany with Dr. Vaidya

 

 

Ashoka Tree

At the time of dawn you opened to the drops of rain

Born as an Evergreen in the rain forest

Living throughout India and Sri Lanka

Rising straight in to the sky

Like a seeker raising the awareness into the abode of God

 

 

Ashoka Tree

Dressed in long leavesand dark brownish black bark

Blooming in the spring

Pink and yellow-orange flowers

Offering delightful fragrance to all

Turning red like the color of blood

 

 

Ashoka Tree

As a uterine tonic you heal the feminine

Bringing hope and joy to all women

Taking away grief and sorrow

You are Sacred

Dedicated to the God of Love

 

 

Ashoka Tree

Wild and free

Filled with Shakti power

Named like the female deities of the Jainas

Blessed for witnessing the birth of the Buddha

Blessed for witnessing the first meeting of Sita and Hanuman

You are loved.