Dhamma Principles › The Nature of Trees Jātaka: A Lone Tree Falls to the Wind
The Nature of Trees Jātaka: A Lone Tree Falls to the Wind
Everyday life

The Nature of Trees Jātaka: A Lone Tree Falls to the Wind

Sādhu sambahulā ñātī

Many relatives who support one another are a good thing. Trees growing together in a forest withstand the wind, but a tree standing alone, however large, can be blown down.

6 points

In the Rukkhadhamma Jātaka of the Ekanipāta in the Jātaka, Khuddaka Nikāya, there is a single verse: many relatives are good; so too are many trees growing in the forest. A tree standing alone, however well grown and large, is blown down by the wind.

According to the commentary, the Buddha told this when his Sakyan and Koliyan relatives were about to fight over the water of the Rohiṇī river. He reminded them that relatives should live in harmony, because when relatives are united, enemies find no opening.

In the commentary's story of the past, the Bodhisatta was a tree deity in a sal forest. He advised his deity relatives to choose trees surrounding his own in the forest, not trees standing alone on high ground. The wise ones did so, while those who wanted gain and offerings from people chose large solitary trees near villages. One day a great storm came: the solitary trees were snapped and uprooted, but not a single tree fell in the close-growing sal forest.

  1. 1

    Many relatives who support one another are good Sādhu sambahulā ñātī

    The verse says many relatives are good. The commentary adds that when many relatives rely on one another, it is admirable, and enemies cannot destroy them.

    Applying it in daily life

    Keep in touch with relatives even when you have no particular reason, such as calling to ask how they are. Relationships you have cared for become a refuge on hard days.

  2. 2

    Even forest trees support each other Api rukkhā araññajā

    The verse compares this to many trees growing in a forest. The commentary says: not only people, but even trees, which have no intention, stand by supporting one another.

    Applying it in daily life

    In a team, let people cover each other's weak points instead of competing until each has to carry everything alone.

  3. 3

    The wind blows down the lone tree Vāto vahati ekaṭṭhaṃ

    The wind blows down a tree that stands alone. The commentary explains this as a tree rising alone on high ground, with no other trees interlinked with it.

    Applying it in daily life

    Notice whether work or stress is cutting you off from people around you. If so, start reconnecting little by little.

  4. 4

    However great, it can still fall Brahantampi

    Even a great lord of the forest, full of branches, is uprooted by a strong wind if it stands alone. Size by itself is not enough.

    Applying it in daily life

    Don't assume money, position or ability means you need no one. Successful people still need friends and family they can trust.

  5. 5

    Don't choose where to live for gain alone Rukkhadhammajātakaṃ

    In the commentary, some deities ignored the advice and chose solitary trees near villages, hoping for gain and honour from people. When the storm came they were left homeless and had to lead their children back to ask the forest deities for shelter.

    Applying it in daily life

    When choosing a new job or place to live, look beyond the pay. Ask whether it will take you too far from the people who support you.

  6. 6

    Relatives shouldn't fight over advantage Rukkhadhammajātakaṃ

    The commentary says the occasion for this Jātaka was the Buddha's relatives on both sides about to fight over water. He pointed out that division among relatives gives enemies an opening, and urged them to live together in affection and harmony.

    Applying it in daily life

    When siblings clash over an inheritance or money, talk openly and ask whether what you gain is worth the relationship you lose.

Try it in daily life

The verse does not say you must have many relatives to be well off. Its point is living in mutual support. The commentary explains that forest trees stand by propping one another up, so strength comes from connection, not from the size of any one tree.

Today, someone very capable who has cut off family, friends and colleagues may seem secure in ordinary times, yet in a crisis such as illness, job loss or bereavement they can fall easily. Tending relationships while things are good matters.

Maintaining relationships does not mean putting up with people who harm you. The harmony this Jātaka speaks of is mutual support.

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