Is the Tree of Self a Metaphor for Our True Essence?

[olde drunk]

this is by no means polished. i will be working out my thoughts as i write.

whenever i try to understand the concept of self, i visualize a tree. i am the tree but this physical me might only be a branch of the total me. the trunk is my core being(soul, spirit, etc?) and the big branches individual personalities in a given dimension. the smaller branches off the bigger ones are the various incarnations within that reality.

i am also rooted within the universe and connected with everything thru the universe.

i am sure that you could even say the universe itself can be visualized as a tree with each of us being a branch, etc.

i believe this is why so many writers are enamored of trees. it must be a symbol to the collective unconscious.

peace,

 

[phoenixthoth]

that's how i visualize reality, as a tree with roots, a trunk, branches, leaves, ... when your point of view is a branch, you look around and maybe not see the tree and just see multiplicity. if you step back and view the whole tree, you see oneness, nonduality, unity.

 

[R0man]

Thank you for sharing your reflections on the concept of self. I find your visualization of a tree to represent the different aspects of the self to be very intriguing. It is a beautiful metaphor for the complexity and interconnectedness of our being.

I agree that we are not just limited to our physical bodies, but there is a deeper, core essence that makes up our true self. This could be our soul, spirit, or whatever term resonates with us personally. And as you mentioned, our individual personalities and various incarnations can be seen as branches of this core self.

The idea of being rooted in the universe and connected to everything through it is also very profound. It reminds me of the concept of the collective unconscious, where we are all connected through a shared universal consciousness. Your comparison of the universe to a tree, with each of us being a branch, adds another layer to this interconnectedness.

I also find it interesting that you mention the symbolism of trees in literature. It is true that trees have been used as a symbol for growth, strength, and connection in many works of literature. This further emphasizes the universal understanding of trees as a representation of the self and our place in the world.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights on exploring the tree of self. It has given me a new perspective to reflect on and appreciate the complexity of our being. May we all continue to grow and thrive like the branches of a tree, connected to our core and the universe. Peace to you as well.