वृक्षायुर्वेद (सुरपाल - प्राचीन भारतीय पादप-विज्ञान, कृषि एवं वृक्ष-चिकित्सा सटीक)

The Science of Plant Life
Salutations to Lord Ganesha.
Introductory composition

1. He is (rightfully called) the Lord of the earth in whose palace there are extensive gardens:
   • which provide people with an important means of all happiness, viz., mutual conversation;
   • which give immense pleasure to the minds of wanton women proud of their charm and longing for enjoyment;
   • which are provided with extensive, delightful oblong ponds with bees hovering around the fully bloomed lotuses (in them).
2. Youth, attractive physique, beautiful women, talented friend, music of a melodious tune, woods, everything is meaningless for a king longing for happiness, in the absence of pleasure gardens.
3. After studying the scientific works of the sages I have expounded (here in this book) the very same import although using my own reason in coordinating them and have not stated anything of my own. Keeping this in view, let gentlemen read my writing and derive joy (from it) which is so natural to them.
   Importance of trees
4. What is the use of several trees grown in the forest, or sons who do not serve the purpose of dharma or artha? (Instead,) a single tree by the wayside is far better whereunder people can rest.
5. (Planting) five trees is far better than (giving birth to) ten sons (as the former) offer libations to the father (planter) with leaves, flowers, and fruits.
6. Ten wells are equal to one pond. Ten ponds are equal to one lake. Ten lakes are equal to one son. Ten sons are equal to one tree.
7. And if one plants a pleasure garden abounding in boundless fruits (yielding many rewards), (then) gods, wise men, nymphs, yakshas, etc., reside there for three ages.
8. Knowing this truth one should undertake planting of trees since trees yield the means of attaining dharma, artha, kama, and moksha (the four aims of life).
9. A person is honored in Vaikuntha (Heaven) for as many thousand years as the days he resides in a house where tulasi is grown.
10. And if one properly grows bilva, which pleases Lord Siva, in his family, the goddess of riches resides permanently passed on to the sons and grandsons.
11. He who plants even a single asvattha, wherever it may be, as per the prescribed mode, goes to the abode of Hari.
12. He who has planted dhatri has performed several sacrifices. He has donated the earth. He would be considered a celebate forever.
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