उपवनविनोद (आचार्य शार्ङ्गधर - वृक्षायुर्वेद, भू-जल संधान एवं उद्यान-विज्ञान सटीक)

HERE BEGINS THE CHAPTER OF "THE SCIENCE OF PLANT-LIFE"
DEALING WITH UPAVANA-VINODA---THE ART OF
ENJOYMENT BY GARDENING

1. He is verily the king whose abode is provided with spacious gardens,
   containing large tanks or pools adorned with beautiful lotus blossoms over
   which humming bees fly---that may be regarded as the consummation of all
   happiness on the part of men, and that give intense pleasure to the mind of
   sportive and pleasure-seeking ladies puffed up with the pride of beauty.
2. If pleasure-seeking sovereigns have no gardens wherein to seek
   pleasure, the delicate and fine bodily from, bevy of fair and youthful ladies,
   compeers excelling in pleasing arts and sonorous lutes and profusion of
   wealth---all these are useless.
3. I am expounding in detail that subject after a thorough study of the
   treatises compiled by the sages of old. May the noble-minded and upright
   readers find delight in looking it through, and judging it as a whole (for what
   it is worth).
   HERE BEGINS THE SECTION CALLED TARUMAHIMA---
   THE GLORY OF TREES
4. Better to have a tree (planted) by the wayside where many rest under
   its shade than to have many sons born who are devoid of wealth and virtue.
5. We read in the Śāstras that (excavation of) a pond is equivalent (in
   virtues) to (sinking of) ten wells, a lake is equivalent to ten ponds, and a son is
   equivalent to ten such lakes and a tree is as good as ten sons.
6. He, who for pleasure makes him a good garden full of fruit and
   flower trees, is destined to go to the abode of Śiva and resides there for as many
   as three ages.
7. One should plant trees with full knowledge of these particulars, in as
   much as, from trees proceed virtues, material prosperity, fulfilment of desires
   and salvation---all these four sovereign things.
8. A man is sure to reside in Vaikuṇṭha (the abode of Viṣṇu) for as
   many thousand years as there are Basil plants planted in his house.
9. Lakṣmī (the Goddess of Wealth) lives for generations in the house
   of a man who plants the Vilva trees, peculiarly favourite with Śiva.
10. He, who plants Aśvattha trees after proper methods, no matter
    where, goes to the abode of Viṣṇu,