Sacred: THE MYSTICISM, SCIENCE, RECIPES & RITUALS around the plants we worship
There's something quietly profound about a book that asks you to look at a flower or a tree and see something beyond the ordinary. Sacred does exactly that. Vasudha Rai draws our attention back to the living world around us, exploring the deep, reciprocal bond between humans and plants, and why forests and greenery matter far beyond their obvious beauty. The science is here too, from medicinal properties to the ways certain species improve soil and air quality. It's grounding stuff, in every sense. The book works through fifty-two plant species, each given its own considered treatment. Majestic trees such as peepal, banyan, rudraksha and deodar sit alongside aromatic woods like frankincense, myrrh and miswak. Native grasses and creepers, including durva, paan and Aparajita, get their due attention, as do flowers, fruits and spices ranging from lotus and jasmine to pomegranate, saffron, cloves and jujube. The breadth is impressive without feeling rushed. Ancient mysticism threads its way through the pages, accompanied by practical recipes and rituals designed to quieten the mind, nourish the body, and bring a little more intention to daily life. For anyone curious about the spiritual significance of the natural world, this is a warm, worthwhile read.
- Author: Vasudha Rai
- Publisher: Penguin eBury Press
- Genre: Gardening & Horticulture
- ISBN: 978-0143469353
- Pages: 264 pages