"The word 'tree' is defined by a homonym in Chinese that means upright or perpendicular. Trees represent wisdom. If you are tall， you are said to have wisdom: 'It is like a great regal tree growing in the rocks and sand of a barren wilderness. When the roots get water， the branches， leaves， flowers， and fruits will all flourish. The regal bodhi tree growing in the wilderness of Birth and Death is the same. All living beings are its roots; all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are its flowers and fruits. By benefitting all beings with the water of Great Compassion， one can realize the flowers and fruits of the Buddhas' and Bodhisattvas' wisdom."' （Avatamsaka Sutra: chap. 40）