Studies in Indian Art c7.s2.6

c7.s2.6

The Kalpa-Vriksha or the Wish-Fulfilling Tree is another charming symbol. As a tree or a creeper it sometimes originates from the navel or mouth of a Yaksha, or grows naturally and then sends its endless offshoots into scrolls or arabesques of intricate design. According to the Vedic thought, the human mind—Kalpa—is the source from which all thoughts, either disciplined or uncontrolled (Samkalpa-Vikalpa) emanate. Mind is the virtual Thought Tree, the Kalpa-Vriksha, under which each one of us stands according to nature's life-scheme. The intricate foliage of this tree or creeper comprises our endless desires and passions that envelope our lives (Fig. 4: a, b, c & d).