I found an oak tree while looking through the window of self-awareness. I was planning to live in the present moment when through the window of my mind, I saw this picture of a gigantic oak tree planted deep inside my mind decades ago.
This giant tree took me back to that state of mind when I was looking for meaning in my life. I was rejected, denied and contradicted for so many lesser reasons. They say I am not good with words but the reality is that words are just words they can’t fully express your deepest emotions. Attached emotions to words and we are back to fantasy. This is how we lose reality.
The oak tree in the courtyard symbolised many things for it’s strength and longevity. This is a sacred tree which pays attention to whatever is happening in the present moment and experiencing it without judgement and conclusion.
An oak tree is a symbol of biological and spiritual nourishment, spiritual growth and transformation.
When a monk asked Zhaozhou, an extraordinary Zen master, about the living essence of zen. His answer was simply remarkable and full of wisdom. He replied by pointing towards an oak tree there in the garden.
“A monk asked Zhaozhou, “What is the living meaning of Zen?.”
Zhaozhou said, “The oak tree in the courtyard.”
Quote source: Case 37 from the Mumonkan (Wumenguan) Collection of Zen Koans
The Oak Tree in the Courtyard.
Here, I would like to mention that the Oak tree is believed to be connected to the movements of the planet Mars. It is determined that when the plant Mars comes close to the Earth, it’s supposed to stimulate the roots of the oak. It’s rightly said to be the symbol of fertility and spiritual growth.
Coming close to Mars strengthen the secret connection of the oak tree with the forest where it is growing. Similarly, when Mars went far away, it is the Sun that promotes upward growth causing the Oak to be one of the largest, most influential trees of the world.

There is another anecdote from the tales of the oak tree in the courtyard which is worth mentioning here.
A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the oak tree Buddha nature?”
Chao-chou said, “Yes, it has.”
The monk said, “When does the oak tree attain Buddhahood?”
Chao-chou said, “Wait until the great universe collapses.”
The monk said, “When does the universe collapse?”
Chao-chou said, “Wait until the oak tree attains Buddhahood.
Quote source: The Gateless Barrier, The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan),
Translated by Robert Aitken, Case 37
In both of these anecdotes what does an oak tree stands for? Let’s figure it out.
The oak tree in the Zhaozhou’s yard stands tall and nourishes the ground underneath. It is clearly understood that one should sit like an oak tree with it’s branches truly lost in the sky and it’s roots deeply spread into the ground.
Standing under a mighty shade of an oak tree in the courtyard doesn’t represent our deflecting feelings and beliefs. It teaches us how to overcome hardship in our lives. The awareness about a problem is not a problem itself. But obsession over what we cannot change is the real problem.
Listen closely and you will find out that the monk asked a very profound question from his master. He was seeking an answer of what is the meaning of zen and the master carefully teaches him about mindfulness, living in the present moment. The oak tree here represents the entire universe. When the whole universe is the oak tree, there is no beginning or no end.
Also read: The angel oak tree & The oak tree and the myth
Sources: The oak tree in the garden and Koan website.
Thank you for reading. If you like this article, please comment and follow my blog.
Can you text me?
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Hi Cara! Thanks for coming to my blog!
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Your Welcome. What are you doing?
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You still there?
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The twoo last pictures (Photo credits: Pexels) remind me at a tree near to Bergen op Zoom (the Netherlands)
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Might be I took these photos from pexels.
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Amazing post Rabia. You are so wise.
Need to read it again.
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Thanks Ashok for liking it.
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My pleasure Rabia
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Thank you for sharing a beautiful story and thought
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My pleasure!
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An interesting read!!
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Thanks a lot.
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Very Informative. I like the simple way, you explain the details about the trees
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Thank you, Veena Ji. Do you agree? There is an undeniable beauty in simplicity that teaches us how to be humble and passionate.
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Yes very very true.
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Wow, this was very phenomenal and thought-provoking Rabia 💯✍️🤩. I loved it 🤟💕
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Thank you☺️
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Awww you are welcome my friend 🙏💙☺️
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Wow what an amazing insight into the planetary connection with Mars. The oak tree is such a strong symbol of grounded being and authenticity I love your insights into obsession… this is beautiful.
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Oh wow! Thank you so much. When passion meets inspiration, an obsession is born. Much appreciated.
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I am so loving your blog on trees. I got a very lovely book from our Arboreteum here in Canberra written by a guy who used trees and forests to heal his own wounds and mental emotional challenges.. its called Tree Wisdom.. My first higher power in sobriety was a huge old fig tree. so I love you have a blog devoted to them..
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Isnt it wonderful to meet like minded people as I am too involve greatly in reading your experiences on your blog. This is very informative thing you have told me. I have heard about this book. Thanks for sharing. You know I am loving your comment, its so mesmerizing. A huge old fig tree😍
I have so much plans for this blog but hardly find time to continure. Thanks once again for finding time to read this post.
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The tree is such a profound metaphor. You’ve made a start…life gets so busy with demands. Gid bless. 🌈🦋💙
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I agree. Thank you😍😌🤩
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❤ 🙂
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