Unitarian Universalists believe that human beings belong to Earth’s interconnected web of life. Many say all life is sacred, including animals of all shapes and sizes and the trees that rise around us. When people speak up for Earth’s forests, some might call them “tree-huggers.” This story tells about tree-hugging’s brave history that started in India hundreds of years ago.

For hundreds of years, the Bishnoi people in Northern India lived in harmony with the tall khejri trees that dotted their desert landscape. The Bishnoi understood that the trees were their partners in breathing, providing oxygen for people as well as animals. They knew that the trees quietly made sure all creatures could have clean water. They appreciated the beauty of a khejri tree abloom in yellow and pink. They made medicine from khejri seeds, and enjoyed generous shade on hot afternoons.

The Bishnoi people used the sturdy wood of the khejri trees to build their homes, but took only what they needed. They did not cut down the living trees.

Among the people who loved the khejri trees was Amrita. She thought of the trees as friends. When she was grown, Amrita brought her children—Asu, Ratni, and Bhagu— to visit the khejri trees, and the children loved them too.

One day, some men approached Amrita’s village with axes. Its khejri trees were desired by the ruler of the kingdom of Jodphur to build a fine new palace. On the Maharajah’s orders, these men had come to the Bishnoi village to chop down trees.

Amrita ran to stop the men. She wrapped her arms around one tree and told the men, “No!” She hugged the tree tightly. The men threatened her. They tried to bribe her. But she did not let go. Her beliefs and her heart told her, “Protect the tree.”

The men had orders to follow. They had to cut the tree.

By now, news of the emergency had spread through the Bishnoi village. Amrita’s children and many others, of all ages, hugged the trees to protect them. But the soldiers would not stop. Amrita and hundreds of others, including Amrita’s children, died protecting the khejri trees.

When the Maharajah learned of the determined courage of the Bishnoi people, he was ashamed to have brought such destruction. Now he understood the sacred meaning and profound love of the trees that had led Amrita, her children, and their neighbors to say “No!” to the tree-cutters. The laws were changed to protect, instead of destroy, the khejri trees of the Bishnoi people.

Wondering Questions

• Where are trees near you? How do you interact with them?
• What habits can you and your family cultivate to show respect for trees and appreciation for the way their lives intertwine with ours?

Additional Activities