Saptaparṇa
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Saptaparṇa (devanāgarī: सप्तपर्ण) is a Sanskrit word that means "seven-leaved". This is the name for an evergreen, tropical tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Alstonia scholaris, commonly called Blackboard tree, Indian devil tree, Ditabark, Milkwood pine, White cheesewood and Pulai.
According to Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, "in Esotericism Saptaparna is the symbol of the 'sevenfold Man-Plant'",[1] as a reference to the seven principles in human beings:[2]
Meanwhile it is evident that “the Man-Plant,” Saptaparna, thus refers to the seven principles, and man is compared to the seven-leaved plant of this name* so sacred among Buddhists.[3]
Notes
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 291.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 231.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 236.
Further reading
- Saptaparna at Theosopedia