Light a Lamp

During winter recess I read a fascinating article about how trees communicate and cooperate with one another: "The Social Lives of Forests.” The article features the work of Dr. Suzanne Simard, professor of ecology at the University of British Columbia and one of the most important scientists studying plant communication and behavior. Her work asserts that trees "talk" to each other; they communicate their needs and send each other nutrients when needed, especially when the tree is on the brink of death. They do that through a network of fungi buried in the soil. This information got me to thinking and reminded me of what we all know in regard to the evolution of life on earth: it has depended on organisms working together to survive and thrive.

As a campus community, we are not that different from the forest. We too work together to make our learning community thrive. College life, although fun and exciting, has plenty of challenges for any student and for different reasons: transition issues, class workload, finances, relationships, home and family, etc. As the trees do, we need to be watchful for those around us (roommates, classmates, club colleagues) and offer support, especially when we are not asked. Giving a hand to those who are struggling, for whatever reason, doesn’t just make the campus better, it also gives the giver a boost—on many levels. Studies show that the very act of helping others augments one’s happiness, health, and sense of well-being, so it is not a waste of time. Kindness and caring also is contagious, as it inspires others to be kinder too. Simard's research left many scientists perplexed as to why trees of different species would help one another at their own expense—a surprising level of altruism. Her answer: this “behavior” is central to evolution.

This caring for "the neighbor" is what balances the conflict and competition that exist in the natural and human worlds. On the human plain, it levels the paradox that we live in and see daily: the darkness and the goodness of the human race. Our great thinkers of the world from all ages have told us this in one way or another: "Build one another up," "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," and it is also beautifully expressed by the Buddha in this way: “If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path.” In a time when there is so much distress and pain around us, make your campus life a worthy expression of what the trees are telling us: there is conflict in a forest, but there is also reciprocity and selflessness. The forest is more than just a collection of trees.

Check out this TED Talk: How trees talk to each other | Suzanne Simard