The tree seems to be the most important of the three possible symbols. Monks of the Dhutanga practice living under trees and the Bodhi tree being connected to Buddhist faith, it is obviously not I alone that recognize the possible importance of the tree within Buddhism.
I tend to take this further in my own practice, at least recently. I recognize the tree as a provider of shade, sometimes food in the form of fruit, and shelter from wind - but also its symbolism, which assists me.
One of my personal practices involving the tree is the stabilization of my mind. Seeking equanimity, a calm and monk-like serenity, being without passionate whooshes of emotion or bouncing from every thought that hits me… mental stability, like a tree trunk. I will explain this further in my next post.
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