On a recent trip to Sarasota, Florida, I visited Selby Gardens and met this tree. It is a beautiful tree but became even more special when I read the sign beneath it.
Tree of Enlightenment
"Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it."
-- The Buddha
The bo tree is beloved by Hindus and Buddhists who believe that the Buddha meditated under one for years until he attained enlightenment. Selby Gardens' bo tree is much-loved as well. Countless couples have married to the music of its leaves rustling in the breeze.
On September 14, 2001, Tropical Storm Gabrielle struck the Sarasota coast. Thousands of trees were destroyed. Our bo tree, completely uprooted, was one of the casualties.
But love--with the help of technology--conquered all. Arborists quickly pruned the tree's canopy by 30 percent to reduce its weight and moisture loss through transpiration. Meanwhile a barge, equipped with a 50-foot crane, chugged into place at high tide. Cables were looped around five of the tree's large branches and the crane gently tugged for 90 minutes until the tree was upright. Soil was packed around the root system to support it. Tended with care and water, the tree showed signs of new growth in six weeks-time.
"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act."
-- The Buddha
On a recent trip to Sarasota, Florida, I visited Selby Gardens and met this tree. It is a beautiful tree but became even more special when I read the sign beneath it.
