Translated By Tony Qin
Another question that has been asked is why the earlier version of the Buddha Mother Great Peacock Wisdom King Sutra from Kaicheng Monastery did not contain any references to tree spirits, whereas the current version we use, the Buddha Mother Great Golden Radiance Peacock Wisdom King Sutra, now includes these references.
The reason for this addition stems from the work of Professor Lin Guangming’s team during their collation of the Peacock Sutra. While meticulously comparing the Sanskrit and Chinese texts, they uncovered significant differences. Most notably, the Sanskrit version contains references to the “Great Tree Spirits,” which were absent in the Chinese translation. Furthermore, the Tibetan version also includes this passage about tree spirits.
This discovery led Elder Jianru and Professor Lin Guangming to carefully consider its implications. Out of respect for the integrity of the different versions, they were hesitant to alter the content arbitrarily. However, they also considered the current global crisis, where greenhouse gases, largely caused by widespread deforestation, are leading to natural disasters and diseases around the world. Given that both the Sanskrit and Tibetan versions contain references to the “Great Tree Spirits,” they made the bold decision to translate this passage from the Sanskrit text into Chinese and incorporate it into the corresponding position in Amoghavajra’s translation.
This addition not only completes the original Chinese version translated by Amoghavajra but also reflects the Elder’s compassion for the Earth and his concern for the well-being of humanity. The hope is that, with the inclusion of the “Great Tree Spirits,” this newly revised version of the Peacock Sutra will bring relief from natural disasters and ensure the peace and happiness of all sentient beings wherever it is recited.
Tree spirits are not unheard of in Buddhist scriptures, and this has much to do with the tree spirit beliefs of early human societies. Trees, with their ability to flower and bear fruit with the changing seasons and reach into the sky with evergreen branches, are seen as symbols of the Earth’s unending vitality. Zhuangzi’s Carefree Wandering says: “In ancient times, there was a great tree that took 8,000 years for spring and 8,000 years for autumn.” Such vigorous life force inspired awe in early humans, who revered trees as deities of life.
For ancient humans, trees were deeply connected to their daily lives, providing everything from food to wood for building homes — or even coffins for burial. Since trees were so intertwined with their existence, people revered them deeply. The belief in tree spirits was a way of expressing their profound respect for nature and their hopes for a better life.
Today, trees remain essential to environmental protection efforts. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, playing a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gases and healing the atmosphere. Additionally, trees trap suspended particles in their leaves, filtering out dust and purifying the air. This is why forests are often referred to as “nature’s air conditioners and oxygen bars.”
Forests play a critical role in the health of the planet and its ecosystems. Natural forests have a high capacity for carbon storage and serve as major hubs of biodiversity. Healthy forests not only provide clean water, soil, and air, but also protect the environment and are the ancestral homes of indigenous peoples. However, the greed of commercial enterprises has led to the destruction of vast swathes of forests for financial gain. Now, restoring damaged ancient forests and safeguarding natural farmland has become a more urgent priority for humanity than ever before.
