Green Friends Initiative

Caring for Mother Nature

“God is in everything, not just in human beings. God is in the mountains, the rivers and the trees, in the birds and the animals, in the clouds, the sun, the moon and the stars. Everything in Nature has a purpose to fulfill. There are no mistakes in God’s Creation. Every creature and every object that has been created by God is so utterly special. How can anyone who understands this want to kill or destroy?” -- Amma

GreenFriends is Amma’s initiative to help us reawaken the awareness of our unity with all of creation and to cultivate an attitude of love and reverence for Mother Nature. All living beings emerge from the same Supreme Consciousness. Mother Nature is the manifestation of that Consciousness. Today we ignore this truth and even destroy that which sustains us.

Amma says, “Only through love and compassion is the protection and preservation of Nature possible.” Ancient cultures around the world recognized this great truth and worshipped Nature with gratitude for Her life-giving gifts. The urgent need of today is for a deep change to take place within each one of us. Developing our Love and respect for Mother Nature will bring awareness to our every action. In this way, we can each play a vital role in restoring the harmony between humanity and Nature. This is the spiritual inspiration and vision behind GreenFriends.

Suggested Personal Program for GreenFriends
Inspired by Amma’s Teachings

Grow a Tulasi (Holy Basil) plant or any other plant or tree that you feel to be sacred. Each morning when watering the plant, offer your prayers, love and gratitude to Mother Nature. You can walk around the plant several times as a symbol of love and respect for Mother Nature. The traditional Tulasi ritual can also be followed. “Nature is nothing but God’s visible form, which we can see and experience through our senses. Indeed, by loving and serving Nature, we are worshipping God directly.”
Plant nine or more trees every year and lovingly care for them. Encourage children to participate as well. “If we haven't done any selfless act, we should plant a tree or sapling; that would be a truly selfless deed, benefiting others and ourselves.”
Make an inner resolve not to take more than is necessary from Mother Nature, and not to unduly destroy anything in Nature. This can be practiced in your daily lives by simple acts such as, not wasting food, car-pooling, recycling, conserving water, etc. "Everything in God's creation has a purpose and a benefit…It is wrong to waste due to our lack of care and attention."
Devote some time each day to connecting inwardly with Mother Nature. This may be through introspective activities in Nature, such as meditating, praying, singing, or silent walks. "If we find harmony within ourselves, that harmony will benefit Nature and be reflected throughout Creation."

GreenFriends started in India in November 2001 amongst Amma’s youth groups. GreenFriends in India has planted 400,000 saplings, and each year an additional 100,000 more will be planted. Other GreenFriends activities include holding forest retreats, starting groups in schools and initiating campaigns to raise environmental awareness.
Many people around the world are becoming actively involved in personal and collective GreenFriends activities. If you are interested in joining together with other GreenFriends in your area, please contact your local Amma satsang group. Activities may include group meditation in Nature, planting trees, community gardens to feed the homeless, Nature retreats and more. For more information, please contact: greenfriends@amma.org or call us at (510)537-9417 ex. 486.

GreenFriends Newsletter