Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Madhavi Lata flower: Ishvara, all, Harbin Hot Springs' Heart Consciousness Church greetings from the outside in, participant-observation-wise (ethnographically) * * * realistic virtual earth for genetic traits modeling & simulations for all species * realistic virtual earth world univ & sch peter norvig toolify * * * Visit the Great free #NFS #HotSprings #EastOfSierraMtns like #BuckeyeHotSprings #TravertineHotSprings in #1960s1970s which were deserted 9/9/25 & by #ReinventingHistory in #RealisticVirtualEarth in #GStreetView w #GTimeslider to visit them in #RealisticVirtualEarthForHotSprings ~

 

Ishvara, all,  

Happy belated birthday again, and glad to have played Scottish smallpipes for you up at the Domes on your  celebration some months ago ! 

While I don't have another paper copy of "Naked Harbin Ethnography:                  

Hippies, Warm Pools, Counterculture, Clothing-Optionality & Virtual Harbin" - http://www.scottmacleod.com/ActualVirtualHarbinBook.html - 

 to give you in the Harbin warm pool like this spring, will you be around Harbin this Wednesday afternoon like in recent months? I may be heading into Harbin this afternoon for 24 hours (probably won't get there much before 2:30 or 3pm PT), and regarding even a 2nd Harbin Hot Springs' Heart Consciousness Church ethnographic book project to be published from Google Street View with time slider, text in the sidebar, and both 1) to paper and in 2) digital masks, reinventing the book even (and possibly reinventing history too), am wondering, Ishvara (after the amazing brilliant Sunheart, who was my main anthropological informant, and friend, for Naked Harbin Ethnography"),  whether I could talk with you further (and after our incredible interview in your house at Harbin in April 2008) and if you could become even the main anthropological informant for the 2nd Harbin ethnographic book project I'm developing - and with a realistic virtual Harbin focus for ethnographic and brain and bliss research. Maybe see you in a Harbin warm pool this afternoon

Scott


PS
set of Twitter posts from yesterday, and regarding - 

- http://scott-macleod.blogspot.com/2025/09/giant-otter-bolivia.html (may Tweet again about how to visit these - somewhat deserted-recently hot springs east of the Sierra mountains - in the 1969s & 70s re realistic virtual earth for history even ... Inventing history anew ... 

Great free #NFS #HotSprings #EastOfSierraMtns like #BuckeyeHotSprings #TravertineHotSprings #LittleCreekHotSprings seem deserted today; Time to develop in a #RealisticVirtualEarthForHotSprings in 1  #RealisticVirtualEarth w #RealisticVirtualHarbin too eg https://youtu.be/X6YBetANDUI for #HomeSoaking #HomeMeditation in a #WUaSMultimediaRoom and #WUaSDigitalMask & visit them in person too!


Great free #NFS #HotSprings #EastOfSierraMtns like #BuckeyeHotSprings #TravertineHotSprings #LittleCreekHotSprings seem deserted today; Time to develop in a #RealisticVirtualEarthForHotSprings in 1  #RealisticVirtualEarth w #RealisticVirtualHarbin too eg https://youtu.be/X6YBetANDUI ~

https://x.com/HarbinBook/status/1965548432942399761 






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Ishvara, all,  

Harbin Hot Springs' Heart Consciousness Church greetings from the outside in, participant-observation-wise (ethnographically) ... I'm not going to make it to Harbin this afternoon after all ... Ishvara, maybe will wave to you in the warm pool another Wednesday afternoon if you're still at Harbin on these days ...

and maybe I'll seek to connect with Jonny Strieter and / or Heather Dance Yogi Christensen in the pool area one of these days possibly, to explore this 2nd Harbin ethnographic book project and related Harbin Hot Springs' history conversations ... 

No news on the extreme longevity and or aging reversal genetic drug therapies front, FDA approved, besides - 

Brainstorm: @geochurch w @dwarkesh_sp
"A Cure for Aging by 2050? - George Church"
https://youtu.be/N6WdeclE__w
"A Billion Years of Evolution in a Single Afternoon -..."
https://youtu.be/olmHHxFQwxo
How to further dev #AgingReversal & #ExtremeLongevityGenetics in #RealisticVirtualEarth?

https://x.com/WorldUnivAndSch/status/1939372987674952173

https://x.com/Q_YogaMacFlower/status/1939379509612175674

https://x.com/scottmacleod/status/1939381207286087713
(https://scott-macleod.blogspot.com/2025/06/poekilocerus-pictus.html)

Yogically, 
Scott






* 

Ishvara <Ishvara@harbin.org>,
Richard Bock <richeartbock@gmail.com>,
richeartbock@yahoo.com,
richard@heartwisdom.net
cc:Eric Richardson <thisnow@yahoo.com>,
Ed Smyth MD <esmythmd@gmail.com>,
Rosemary Cordova <rosemarycordova@sbcglobal.net>,
Alexa McAra <alexamcara@gmail.com>,
Sanna & David Durk <sannaanddavid@gmail.com>,
sajjad@harbin.org,
Peter Norvig <pnorvig@google.com>,
Heather Jane MacKay <hmackay@sbcglobal.net>,
Scott MacLeod - Helianth Email <helianth@gmail.com>,
Scott MacLeod - Yoga <yogamacflower@gmail.com>,
"Gate.com - scottmacleod.com scott@scottmacleod com" <scott@scottmacleod.com>,
Annie Brown <annieb@gorge.net>,
Janie Kirkbride Brown MacLeod <jkbmacleod@icloud.com>,
Henry Cutter <vfhc@nyc.rr.com>,
Marc Dupuis <marco.dupuis@gmail.com>,
Doug & Zoe Billman <dbillman@rcn.com>,
Elliott Thurston <esthurston@hotmail.com>,
Shawn T Flaherty <stf@pghfirm.com>,
Hank Greely <hgreely@stanford.edu>,
Joichi Ito <Joiito@gmail.com>,
Paul Jolly <paulsjolly@gmail.com>,
Pin - Siddartha Mazumdar <sid.mazumdar@gmail.com>,
Joan Kidder <kidderjoan@gmail.com>,
Roland Vogl <rvogl@law.stanford.edu>,
Barbara van Schewick <schewick@stanford.edu>,
Ken & Andrea Thompson MD <visiblehands@mac.com>,
Matt Lovell <mlovell44@gmail.com>,
"Ling, Jenny" <jennyl@theaccelerationproject.org>,
Caleb & Martha Johnson Alexander <galexand@jhsph.edu>,
Nick Thompson <npt134@gmail.com>,
nesson@law.harvard.edu,
George Church <gchurch@genetics.med.harvard.edu>,
Nancy Larson O'Sullivan <n.osullivan@cox.net>,
John & Catherine Carter Palfrey <jpalfrey@law.harvard.edu>,
Richard Robb <rrobbmd@verizon.net>,
Robin Appleberry <robinappleberry@yahoo.com>,
Scott MacLeod <sgkmacleod@worlduniversityandschool.org>,
"Hugh M. Thomas" <h.thomas@miami.edu>,
Erica Robb Thaler <erica.thaler@uphs.upenn.edu>,
Lillian & Ruben Thomas <lillianbthomas57@gmail.com>,
John Tadler <olfroth@gmail.com>,
Tym Lenderking <Lenderkingta@yahoo.com>,
World University <worlduniversityandschool@gmail.com>,
Rolene Walker <rolenewalker@gmail.com>,
warren@law.harvard.edu,
Robin Wilder Younger <robinwyounger@gmail.com>,
"Em4ofa@aol.com" <em4gdcp@btinternet.com>,
Alden F Briscoe <ABriscoe@brakeleybriscoe.com>,
Charles Nesson <nesson@gmail.com>,
Ed Smyth MD <edlectic@gmail.com>,
Eric Starbuck <ericwilliamstarbuck@gmail.com>,
Frank Cindrich <guyovernight@hotmail.com>,
Gerry & Mary Lou Kennedy <geraldkennedy1155@gmail.com>,
John & Gretchen Kidder <jkidder@vtc.edu>,
Stephon Owens <stephono87@gmail.com>,
Lisa Ximei Peng <ximeipeng@hotmail.com>,
Lynn Cosmos <lynncosmos@gmail.com>,
Byron Hann <byronhann1@gmail.com>,
"Demoise, David C" <demoisedc@upmc.edu>,
Sarah DiMare <scdimare@yahoo.com>,
shauna.mcnally@chase.com,
Anne MacLeod Shoemaker <annemshoemaker@gmail.com>,
Sherrie Noble <sherrieannenoble@outlook.com>,
Brig Alexander <gitte234@verizon.net>,
"Charles B. Hulley" <charles.hulley@gmail.com>,
thomas.g.hulley@gmail.com,
vanessa.hulley@gmail.com,
"Matchett, David" <dmatchett@gmail.com>,
Eric B Myers <ericbmyers@hotmail.com>,
Elliott Thurston <esthur7362@gmail.com>,
Caleb & Martha Johnson Alexander <galexan9@jhmi.edu>,
Sally Burry i'anson <auntloop@yahoo.com>,
Katie Craig <katie.craig11@gmail.com>,
Claire MacLeod Ohman <ohmanclaire@gmail.com>,
Patti Cobb <pkcobb@pacbell.net>,
Rosemary Coffey <rosemarycoffey@aol.com>,
Urs Gasser <ugasser@gmail.com>,
jon strieter <jonstrieter@gmail.com>,
Edwin Christwitz <echristwitz@yahoo.com>,
Barbara Christwitz <christwitzbarbara@gmail.com>,
Mahavir <Mahavir10008@gmail.com>,
Ann Prehn <pubs@harbin.org>,
Lacy Rose <alderrose@gmail.com>,
Gabriele.Fellows@lakecountyca.gov
date:Sep 10, 2025, 2:45 PM
subject:Re: Happy Birthday to you, Ishvara and Richard!







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realistic virtual earth for genetic traits modeling & simulations for all species

Building a realistic "virtual Earth" for genetic trait modeling across all species is a massive, long-term scientific endeavor rather than a single existing product. However, several sophisticated computational platforms address different aspects of this vision, from spatially explicit population genetics to whole-ecosystem simulations and phylogenetic visualization. These tools are built on computational systems biology, using vast genetic data and high-performance computing to approximate ecological and evolutionary processes on local and global scales. 
Key challenges and the state of the technology
Scope and scale
There is no single simulation that models all life on Earth simultaneously, due to the immense scale and complexity involved. Instead, researchers use specialized tools for different levels of biological organization: 
  • Whole-cell models: Platforms like the one created by the J. Craig Venter Institute simulate the entire life cycle of a minimal cell, detailing molecular components and interactions.
  • Population models: Software such as HexSim, SLiM, and cgsim model the genetic and population dynamics of specific species or groups, often within spatially explicit landscapes.
  • Ecosystem and macroevolutionary models: Platforms like gen3sis simulate eco-evolutionary processes and species diversification across a continent or the globe over geological time scales, though with simplified species representations. 
Data and realism
The realism of any virtual Earth depends on the quality and quantity of data used to build the model.
  • Genomic data: Advancements in next-generation sequencing provide the raw genetic information. However, compiling complete, high-quality genetic data for all species is still an ongoing process.
  • Landscape data: Tools like slendr can incorporate real Earth landscapes (or abstract maps) to model population movements and spatial dynamics.
  • Ecological data: Environmental data, such as climate, habitat quality, and species interactions, are essential for realistic simulations, but global data sets are often incomplete or too coarse-grained for fine-scale genetic modeling. 
Prominent platforms for genetic and ecological simulations

For spatially explicit population and landscape genetics
  • slendr: An R package for simulating spatio-temporal genomic data. It can model population ranges and their dynamics on real Earth landscapes, leveraging the power of R for geospatial analysis.
  • Geonomics: A Python package designed for complex, spatially explicit landscape genomic simulations. It is valuable for studying how complex landscapes, climate change, and multi-trait selection affect a population's genetics.
  • HexSim: An individual-based model focused on simulating wildlife population dynamics within a complex, gridded landscape. It is used by the US EPA and others for conservation and environmental impact analysis. 
For eco-evolutionary and macroevolutionary simulations
  • gen3sis: A general engine for large-scale eco-evolutionary simulations. It models the creation, dynamics, and extinction of species over geological time, driven by user-specified landscapes and ecological and evolutionary processes.
  • SLiM: A flexible framework for forward population genetic simulations that can model complex eco-evolutionary scenarios. It is particularly good for whole-chromosome modeling in large populations. 
For multi-species simulations
  • simer: An R package designed for simulating complex breeding and population genetics processes for a variety of species, including humans, plants, animals, and microorganisms.
  • Blib: A multi-module platform that handles complex genetic effects and can simulate many different breeding scenarios for genetic studies. 
For visualization and exploration
  • OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer: A powerful visualization tool that maps the evolutionary relationships of millions of species on a single zoomable page. While not a simulation platform, it is an essential resource for exploring macroevolutionary patterns derived from genetic data. 


A vision for the future
The creation of a single, realistic virtual Earth for genetic modeling across all species will require breakthroughs in several areas:
  • Computational power: Massive increases in computing power, potentially through quantum computing, will be needed to model all the genomic and environmental interactions.
  • Integrative platforms: The next step is to create frameworks that seamlessly integrate existing landscape, genetic, and ecological models. Research connecting ecosystem dynamics with evolutionary genetics is already underway.
  • Artificial intelligence: AI and machine learning could be used to infer and fill in gaps in genetic and ecological data and to optimize the simulation process itself.
  • Standardization: Developing standardized input and output data formats would allow different models to "talk" to each other, enabling a modular, integrated simulation




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realistic virtual earth world univ & sch peter norvig toolify


The request "realistic virtual earth world univ & sch peter norvig toolify" connects Peter Norvig and the organization World University and School (WUaS) with the development of AI tools, specifically a "Realistic Virtual Earth" for education. Norvig, a prominent figure in AI, provides the conceptual foundation, while WUaS acts as a proponent for tool-based AI learning, though the actual "toolify" functionality is largely conceptual. 
The concept of a Realistic Virtual Earth
The vision is to create an immersive, interactive, and physics-based virtual world for education that goes beyond simple 3D renderings. Key features would include: 
  • Real-world physics: AI could power dynamic simulations of ecosystems, weather, and geology for subjects like Earth science.
  • Training AI agents: These virtual environments would allow AI agents to be trained to navigate and interact with the world, avoiding the costs and risks of real-world training.
  • Historical and future simulations: Students could explore ancient cities or visualize the effects of climate change by using a timeline feature.
  • Multisensory data: The system could use various data types, such as video, audio, and sensor inputs, to create a more comprehensive and realistic simulation. 
Peter Norvig's conceptual influence
While Norvig has not announced any specific project with WUaS, his work provides the AI principles for such an initiative:
  • Focus on uncertainty: Norvig distinguishes traditional software engineering from AI, noting that AI excels at solving problems with incomplete or noisy data—perfect for simulating a complex, ever-changing Earth.
  • Human-centered AI: He advocates for AI tools that augment human abilities and provide meaningful control to users, ensuring any virtual environment is a better, more transparent learning tool.
  • Beyond the textbook: Norvig has long called for AI education to move past static texts and use dynamic, interactive systems. A "Realistic Virtual Earth" fits this model by bringing subjects like history, science, and geography to life. 
"Toolify" and World University and School (WUaS)
The term "toolify" is primarily associated with WUaS, a conceptual organization that promotes the creation of AI tools for educational purposes. 
  • Current state: WUaS has used social media and blog posts to promote the vision of a "Realistic Virtual Earth" and has linked it with Norvig and the AI tool directory Toolify.ai.
  • Educational focus: The goal is to "toolify" learning by using AI and machine learning to build virtual world simulations that can be used to teach complex subjects. 
Existing and upcoming technologies
The conceptual "Realistic Virtual Earth" would draw on existing tools and emerging large world models (LWMs).
  • Interactive learning: Current tools like NASA's Eyes, Harvard's EcoXPT, and PhET simulations offer a basic foundation for interactive, research-based learning.
  • Virtual exploration: Google Earth already provides a familiar interface for viewing high-resolution imagery and 3D terrain. The conceptual "Realistic Virtual Earth" would extend this with AI-powered, dynamic systems.
  • Next-gen world models: The development of LWMs by companies like Google DeepMind (Genie 3) and NVIDIA (Cosmos) is making hyper-realistic, interactive virtual environments more achievable. These models, used in conjunction with a physics engine, could provide the technological backbone for such a project.

--

Society, Information Technology, and the Global University (2025, forthcoming) 

- Scott GK MacLeod  
Founder, President, CEO & Professor
CC-4 licensed MIT OCW-centric, Wiki, 
World University & School (WUaS) 
- USPS US Post Office, General Delivery, Canyon, CA 94516 


1) non-profit 501(c)(3) Public Charity 
MIT OCW-centric, 

2) for profit general stock company WUaS Corporation in CA - http://worlduniversityandschool.org/AcademicPress.html

(m) 412 478 0116 - sgkmacleod@gmail.com 


World Univ & Sch Innovation Research - 









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Visit the Great free #NFS #HotSprings #EastOfSierraMtns like #BuckeyeHotSprings #TravertineHotSprings in #1960s1970s which were deserted 9/9/25 & by #ReinventingHistory in #RealisticVirtualEarth in #GStreetView w #GTimeslider to visit them in #RealisticVirtualEarthForHotSprings ~



Visit the Great free #NFS #HotSprings #EastOfSierraMtns like #BuckeyeHotSprings #TravertineHotSprings in #1960s1970s which were deserted 9/9/25 & by #ReinventingHistory in #RealisticVirtualEarth in #GStreetView w #GTimeslider to visit them in #RealisticVirtualEarthForHotSprings ~








Retweeting -

Asked #GoogleAIStudio -
aistudio.google.com How best to create the beginning of #RealisticVirtualHarbin #HotSpringsWarmPool with #ONSEN video - youtu.be/X6YBetANDUI sitting on #HWarmPool's front bench near #HarbinWPFrontStairs looking toward the #HarbinHotPoolRoom doorway? 






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Visit the Great free #NFS #HotSprings #EastOfSierraMtns like #BuckeyeHotSprings #TravertineHotSprings in #1960s1970s which were deserted 9/9/25 & by #ReinventingHistory in #RealisticVirtualEarth in #GStreetView w #GTimeslider to visit them in #RealisticVirtualEarthForHotSprings ~




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Great free #NFS #HotSprings #EastOfSierraMtns like #BuckeyeHotSprings #TravertineHotSprings #LittleCreekHotSprings seem deserted today; Time to develop in a #RealisticVirtualEarthForHotSprings in 1  #RealisticVirtualEarth w #RealisticVirtualHarbin too eg https://youtu.be/X6YBetANDUI for #HomeSoaking #HomeMeditation in a #WUaSMultimediaRoom and #WUaSDigitalMask & visit them in person too!


Great free #NFS #HotSprings #EastOfSierraMtns like #BuckeyeHotSprings #TravertineHotSprings #LittleCreekHotSprings seem deserted today; Time to develop in a #RealisticVirtualEarthForHotSprings in 1  #RealisticVirtualEarth w #RealisticVirtualHarbin too eg https://youtu.be/X6YBetANDUI ~

https://x.com/HarbinBook/status/1965548432942399761 






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Virtual Harbin Hot Springs Creation (and regarding the "Naked Harbin Ethnography" book - Academic Press @WUaSPress, 2016) 

INCREDIBLE replies from https://aistudio.google.com/ to create #RealisticVirtualHarbin from https://youtu.be/X6YBetANDUI -https://scott-macleod.blogspot.com/2025/05/arnebia.html & with #GStreetView with #TimeSlider Fascinating opps for #WUaSstudents, #UniversitiesStudents around world, & #hackers, to create #RealisticVirtualEarth ~

https://x.com/WorldUnivAndSch/status/1920972376402989189

https://x.com/HarbinBook/status/1920972035330597188

https://x.com/sgkmacleod/status/1920972797125292330

https://x.com/WUaSPress/status/1920972724014305648

https://x.com/scottmacleod/status/1920972642917486820

https://x.com/TheOpenBand/status/1920972572306391089

https://x.com/WorldUnivAndSch/status/1920972376402989189

https://x.com/Q_YogaMacFlower/status/1920972220114853911

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/scott-macleod-4691a011a_realisticvirtualharbin-gstreetview-timeslider-activity-7326742669177561089-ty7p

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/world-university-and-school_realisticvirtualharbin-gstreetview-timeslider-activity-7326742194801778688-0GcL

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/scottgkmacleod_realisticvirtualharbin-gstreetview-timeslider-activity-7326742374292901888-qCAl



And see too #PeterNorvig's INCREDIBLE #ToolifyAiWUaS article mentioning a #RealisticVirtualHarbin HotSprings ... and even #StudyingBliss ~

https://www.toolify.ai/ai-news/revolutionizing-education-with-machine-learning-and-ai-2574306

And here's the Harbin Hot Springs' gatehouse in 2024, 2012 and 2007 ... 
~ https://goo.gl/maps/7gSsSTweRCBo9gf87 ~ https://twitter.com/HarbinBook ~ http://bit.ly/HarbinBook ~

http://worlduniversityandschool.org/AcademicPress.html 





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https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Hiptage_benghalensis_04.JPG/1600px-Hiptage_benghalensis_04.JPG













https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiptage_benghalensis


http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Madhavi%20Lata.html




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During the period of the Bhagavad Gita around 400 BCE, numerous flower species were significant both in ancient North Indian daily life and for their rich symbolism in Hindu spirituality. The text's floral metaphors draw on local species to illustrate spiritual concepts. 
Flowers specifically mentioned or referenced in the Bhagavad Gita 
  • Lotus (
    Nelumbo nuciferacap N e l u m b o space n u c i f e r a
    ):     Known as Kamal or Padma, the lotus is the most prominent flower in the Gita. It symbolizes purity, detachment, and spiritual enlightenment because it grows from the mud but blossoms cleanly above the water. Lord Krishna uses the lotus leaf as an analogy for how a yogi should act in the world without being affected by its impurities.
  • Blue Water Lily (
    Nymphaea nouchalicap N y m p h a e a space n o u c h a l i
    ):     Called Neel Kamal, this flower is mentioned in relation to the battlefield of Kurukshetra, symbolizing purity and grace amidst chaos. Its emergence from murky waters also represents spiritual ascent.
  • Night Jasmine (
    Nyctanthes arbor−tristiscap N y c t a n t h e s space a r b o r minus t r i s t i s
    ):     The Parijaat or Har Singaar is known for its fragrant, white-and-orange flowers that bloom at night. It is tied to the mythology of Lord Krishna and symbolizes the divine cycle of life and rebirth.
  • Kanak Champa (
    Pterospermum acerifoliumcap P t e r o s p e r m u m space a c e r i f o l i u m
    ):     The Karnikar flower is described in a canto of the Bhagavad Purana (which expands on themes from the Gita) as an ornament worn by Krishna as he enters the forest of Vrindavan.
  • Champak (
    Magnolia champacacap M a g n o l i a space c h a m p a c a
    ):     With its mesmerizing aroma, the golden-yellow Champak flower symbolizes devotion and the bond between the individual soul and the universal soul. It is frequently associated with divine romance in Krishna legends.
  • Madhavi Lata (
    Hiptage benghalensiscap H i p t a g e space b e n g h a l e n s i s
    ):     This vine evokes the divine play of Krishna in the forests of Vrindavan and is a metaphor for the soul's spiritual longing for liberation (moksha).
  • Marigold (
    Calendula officinaliscap C a l e n d u l a space o f f i c i n a l i s
     or 
    Tagetes erectacap T a g e t e s space e r e c t a
    ):     Known as Genda, marigolds symbolize auspiciousness and joy in Hindu traditions. They are mentioned in the Mahabharata, the larger epic containing the Gita, and represent the soul's desire for a connection with the divine.     
Other flowers of the period and region 
Many other species common in ancient North India would have been present and used in rituals, medicine, and daily life. 
  • Safflower (Kusumbha): This plant was used for dyes and oil, and its symbolism was recognized in various ancient texts.
  • Ashoka (
    Saraca asocacap S a r a c a space a s o c a
    ):     The flowers of the Ashoka tree were a symbol of love and were used in rituals.
  • Kadamba (
    Anthocephalus cadambacap A n t h o c e p h a l u s space c a d a m b a
    ):     Mentioned in ancient literature, the Kadamba tree and its distinctive flowers were associated with Krishna and his divine pastimes.
  • Mango (
    Mangifera indicacap M a n g i f e r a space i n d i c a
    ):     While primarily known for its fruit, the mango tree and its flowers were also icons of love and fertilit


* 

Several flowers mentioned in ancient Indian literature, including the Bhagavad Gita, are likely to have been present in India around 400 BCE. These flowers often hold symbolic significance in Hinduism and are still found in India today. 
Here are some of the commonly mentioned flowers:
  • Lotus (Kamala/Padma): A prominent symbol of purity and spiritual detachment, the lotus is frequently used in similes and is often associated with goddesses like Lakshmi and Saraswati, as well as the god Brahma.
  • Jasmine (Chameli/Yuthika): Symbolizing spiritual sweetness, purity, and love, Jasmine is offered to gods as a sign of unadulterated devotion. It was also admired for its fragrance and used in various ways.
  • Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis): This night-flowering Jasmine represents divine favor and eternal life. Its delicate white petals with bright orange centers are likened to the purifying flame of awareness.
  • Ashoka (Saraca indica): Known for its beautiful flowers and its association with joy and overcoming sorrow, the Ashoka tree also appears in the Ramayana where Sita spent time under one in Ravana's garden.
  • Marigold (Genda): Symbolizing auspiciousness, joy, and the soul's desire for the divine, marigolds are central to Hindu festivities.
  • Red Hibiscus (Japa): Representing divine strength and power, the Hibiscus is often dedicated to the goddess Kali. Its red color symbolizes focused effort and virtuous action.
  • Bhandhook (Pentapetes phoenicea): This vibrant orange-red flower blooms at noon and symbolizes life's intensity and the divine presence. 
It is important to remember that botanical studies in ancient India were well-established, and classifications based on various features existed during the Vedic and post-Vedic periods (2500 BCE to 600 BCE), overlapping with the time of the Bhagavad Gita



 

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