Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

Understanding Biblical Symbolism


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FOREST

A symbol of meditation in the solitude of the soul; a subjective state of mind wherein the consciousness is withdrawn from all external attractions into the higher intellect.

"A twice-born Snâtaka, who has thus lived according to the law in the order of householders, may, taking a firm resolution, and keeping his organs in subjection, dwell in the forest." - Laws of Manu, VI. 1.

An ego endowed with mind and moral responsibility, who has further completed his incarnations and risen to individuality in the causal-body, may, with steadfast resolve to conform to the Divine will, and controlling completely his mental qualities, withdraw consciously inwards to meditate and progress, free from all external things.

"O Bhârata, what need has a self-controlled man of the forest, and what use is the forest to an uncontrolled man? Wherever a self-controlled man dwells, that is a forest, that is an hermitage." - Mahâbáhrata, Santiparva, 5961.

In the name of moral rule (Bhâ-rata)! what need has a self-controlled mind of limitation of freedom from external attractions, and, on the other hand, of what use is such limitation to an uncontrolled mind? In whatever environment a self-con-trolled mind is placed, that is freedom for meditation, that is solitude of soul.

“The word forest' is used in this district (New Forest) in its primitive sense of a wilderness or uncultivated tract of country." - MABEL COLLINS, In the New Forest.

 

See Also

ASCETIC
ASRAMAS
DESERTS
HOUSEHOLDER
SNATAKA
TREES (Tall)
VITAL AIRS
WILDERNESS OF JUDEA