The majestic banyan tree is the most sacred tree in Bali and one of the world's largest trees. The height of the banyan tree - up to 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) or more - is enough to take your breath away! As the banyan tree begins to grow, it sends out aerial roots along the sides of the main steam, giving the impression the tree is actually made up of many smaller trees. The tree continues to extend further out until it covers up to 2 acres! Traditional Hindu cultures revere the banyan tree for its grace, power, and majestic presence.

The Balinese decorate the banyan with black & white sarongs and they place offerings in the shine, which is built inside the tree. To the Balinese, the banyan is the home of a great spirit of protection. All parts of the tree are used in ceremonies and revered, including the fruits, the roots, the leaves, and the stems. The "King of the Trees", as it is known in Balinese culture, is the location for temples, ceremonies, and even the place of markets and large gatherings. 

In the Bagavad Gita, Lord Krishna speaks of the banyan tree: "One who knows this banyan tree is the knower of the Vedas". The Vedas are the oldest works of knowledge in the world and said to be the most supreme works on the nature of reality, the self and god. But what does Krishna mean? Is it possible that by simply knowing the nature of a tree that one can possess knowledge of reality, know the self, and know God? We do not know the answer. What we do know is that the banyan tree is a magnificent creation in Nature, a beautiful object of contemplation, and a magical source of inspiration .... the entire tree is born from one tiny seed!

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