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

Notes
Figures indicate verse numbers.
5. Oblations in the form of water, sesame, cooked rice,
and other gifts are offered at the time of funeral rites or
death anniversaries of parents, ancestors, near relatives,
etc. by their closely related survivor (usually a son)
according to Hindu religion. The word "kostharuha"
literally meaning "growing in the abdomen" is not
commonly used in the sense of a "child" as is done here.
It seems to be used for two reasons: (i) in order to match
with the word "bhumiruha" and thus bring out the
intended contrast between trees and sons more
effectively; and (ii) in order to emphasize the uselessness
of sons failing in their religious duty of "feeding" their
deceased parents by offering regular oblations although
they are born from the latter's very abdomen.
7. In fact four ages are stated, viz., Satya, Treta, Dvapara,
and Kali. The author might have referred to "three" ages
excluding Kali, the last age, as the same is unfit for gods,
etc. to reside on earth due to its impurities and lack of
regard for dharma.
8. Dharma, artha, kama, moksha are the four aims of
human life—Purusarthas—as prescribed by tradition:
• dharma—It is the customary observances of rules and
regulations according to the respective caste, sect, stage
of life, etc., e.g., learning and teaching by a Brahmin,
etc.
• artha (attainment of riches or worldly prosperity)—
This is prescribed for an individual in the second stage
of his life, viz., the stage of a householder (the other
three stages are celebate, hermit, and recluse).
• kama (pursuit of sensual enjoyments)—This is also
prescribed only for a householder.
• moksha (final emancipation; deliverance of the soul
from the cycle of birth and death)—This corresponds to
the fourth stage of an individual's life, viz., that of a
recluse.
Sometimes only the first three (Purusarthatrayi) are
mentioned as they are related to this world (verse 98).
15. Rajasuya is the name of a particular sacrifice
performed by a king at the time of his coronation to
declare and establish his supremacy over other tributary
kings. It is believed to bestow upon the king, the highest
reward.
20. "Samropya no dukkhi" is found in Majumdar (1935)
and appears to be the correct reading. The context is
about glorification of the trees. Hence, the fruit promised
cannot be "suffering for seven lives".
29. This verse denounces planting badari, kadali, dadimi,
and bijapuraka close to the residence only and does not
contradict glorification of planting them elsewhere.
31. "Ksirin" is a general term describing any tree
yielding "milk" (i.e., milk-like exudation).
42. "Sopha" as a name of a tree could not be traced.
"Saka" meaning teak wood is the nearest likely word.
44. "Wealth, God, and kings have unlimited resources
and power to make possible what is ordinarily
impossible." Author's inclusion of "wealth" along with
God and king shows his awareness of money-power.
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