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Om Namah Sivaya!

Welcome to the New Mexico GreenFriends quarterly e-newsletter. This quarter finds us in the midst of fall migration season. After the flotilla of balloons that can be seen bubbling through the air in October, you may also begin noticing in the skies a seemingly infinite variety of birds. New Mexico is greatly blessed in the number of migratory birds that can be seen flying through the state, especially in the spring and in the fall. If you aren't already a birder, then beginning to acquaint yourself with at least some of the migrating birds that you might see this fall might begin to turn you into one. The Rio Grande is a major migration flyway in the United States, and you will find many raptors migrating above the mountain ridges as well. Not only can you see (and hear!) the famous Sandhill Cranes and Canada and Snow Geese flying south, but you will be able to see numerous hawks, falcons, passerines (songbirds), and even Bald Eagles, Pelicans and Seagulls! So I encourage you to keep your binoculars close by, along with a good bird ID book, like Sibley's or National Geographic, and enjoy the skies this fall! Once November rolls around, don't forget the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife refuge, just south of Socorro. In November they have their annual Festival of the Cranes, which is always a magical way to spend a day or two.

In last quarter's newsletter, some folks e-mailed me and said that the font was a bit of a challenge to read so except for the headings, I have changed it in the hopes that this font will be clearer. Please don't hesitate to send feedback to me concerning any aspect of the newsletter, the NM GreenFriends webpages, or the monthly announcements. (January, April, July, and October monthly announcements [if there are any] will be included in the newsletter. For all other months, you will receive the announcements as an e-mail, if there are any announcements for that month. Please send all announcements to the e-mail below.)

The goal of this forum overall is to serve as an information resource for Amma's New Mexico children who are interested in keeping in touch with any upcoming NM GreenFriends projects that might be happening locally - projects that NMGF is participating in as a group or projects you might want to participate in individually - as well as serving as a place where we can share stories, articles, photos, recipes, remedies, and many other fun green things. Submissions are encouraged and welcome! If you would like to contribute to the newsletter please e-mail me, ashram@ammacenter.org, and I will send you the submission guidelines.

"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

GUIDELINES FOR THE GREENFRIENDS INITIATIVE

Caring for Mother Nature
An Initiative of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math

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. (See October Announcements on page 8 for instructions on receiving Tulasi seeds blessed by Amma.)

"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. Activities may include group meditation in Nature, planting trees, community gardens to feed the homeless, Nature retreats and more.

If you have activity suggestions for New Mexico GreenFriends please contact ashram@ammacenter.org

"Tulasi leaves are highly medicinal. In ancient India, part of the daily practice was to water Tulasi every morning for Her blessings, bowing down with reverence and devotion, worshipping Her as an embodiment of the Goddess. We must revive such practices in order to regain the lost harmony of our lives."
Amma

INFORMATION ABOUT TULASI - THE HOLY BASIL

Tulasi is a variety of medicinal basil that is revered as one of the most sacred plants of Indian culture. Ancient tradition proclaims that the Divine Mother manifested on Earth as the Holy Tulasi plant for the benefit of all creation.

Amma's GreenFriends is encouraging a re-awakening of ancient traditions that allow us to behold the Divine within Mother Nature, and cultivate an attitude of love and reverence towards all aspects of creation.

Medicinal Benefits of Tulasi

Tulasi protects against and reduces stress, enhances stamina and endurance, increases the efficient use of oxygen, slows the aging process, and provides a rich supply of anti-oxidants. Tulasi is used in the treatment of many degenerative disorders such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and neurological dementia. Other benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

• Immune-enhancing and promotes general health and well-being.

• Treats stomach and gastric disorders.

• Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.

• Treats cough, cold, flu and fever.

• Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients.

• Increases blood flow to the brain relieving mental fatigue, promoting clear thinking, and improving memory.

• Treats eye, ear, and teeth disorders, insect bites and more! Ancient tradition proclaims that honoring the Tulasi plant will awaken pure Love and devotion, bring peace and happiness into family life, and create harmony in Nature. It is also said to strengthen faith, compassion and mental clarity. Tulasi plants are also known to purify the atmosphere.

Amma's bookstore during the summer North American tour was selling Tulasi tea in bulk form as well as Tulasi in essential oil form and as a flower essence. You can inquire at the MA Center in San Ramon for more information about purchasing these items through the online store at www.theammashop.org
Currently from Amma's bookstore online you can order Basil soap, made in Amritapuri. (Precaution for essential oil form: because it can stimulate bleeding as an essential oil, Holy Basil, should not be used for massage or bath during pregnancy. It can also be a skin irritant.)

Traditional prayers or mantras for Tulasi worship:

Worship Tulasi Devi in the morning while chanting the following

Tulasi Pranamma Mantra
Vrindayai Tulasii-Devyai
Priyayai Keshavasya cha
Vishnu-Bhakti-prade Devi
Satya-vatyai Namo Namah
I offer my prayers to Tulasi Devi
Who is very dear to Lord Krishna
Oh Goddess, you bestow Devotion and
Possess the highest Truth

Circumambulate the plant several times while chanting the following

Tulasi Pradakshina Mantra
Yani kani cha papani
Brahma-hatyadikani cha
Tani tani pranasyanti
Pradakshina pade pade
By circumambulating Tulasi Devi
All sins committed are destroyed at every step.

Tulasi can also be worshipped with your personal mantra or other prayers.

Instructions for Growing Tulasi

Start seeds indoors in the spring, just beneath the surface of well-draining potting soil. Plant only one seed per small container, or carefully transplant when seedlings are small. Keep evenly moist at all times in a very warm place. Water lightly, but do not let surface of soil become too dry. Seeds need high temperatures in order to germinate and should emerge within 1-6 weeks, often closer to the 6-week period than to the one-week period. Tulasi will not grow well in colder areas, so it is best to grow in a pot indoors in a sunny window. This plant likes to be warm and moist. The pot also can be kept outside in the summer. In winter Tulasi will need special care and you may need to use plant lights. It is important to gently pinch off the flower buds as soon as they appear. This will give Tulasi energy to form new leaves, encourage branching into a fuller plant, and keep Tulasi from going to seed. Regular pinching is recommended. Give water as needed but do not over-water. Amma recommends eating just one leaf daily for medicinal benefit. You may also wish to grow Tulasi annually.
(See October Announcements for instructions on receiving Tulasi seeds blessed by Mother.)

"Necessary steps should be taken to protect and preserve the trees and plants which grow in the areas surrounding the factories and other industrial sites. The initiative to preserve the natural surroundings should come from the entrepreneurs and employees of such companies."
Amma

GREEN HOTELS

I'm sure many of you have had the opportunity when traveling to stay in a hotel that has left a card in the room saying something to the effect of: "If you do not want your sheets or towels changed daily, please hang this card on the door." Now you can stay at hotels all across the nation that are participating in a "greening" of the hospitality industry. In some facilities, up to 90% of the guests are participating in the eco-friendly opportunities offered by the hotels. These hotels are doing their best to reduce, reuse, and recycle everything. Some hotels have added solar panels, some use organic cleaning products, some do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on their landscaping, some have notes on their restaurant menus stating they will not offer drinking water unless it's requested in order to save on water, and some hotels located in wilderness areas or close to natural habitats are even working with scientists to monitor the impact their hotel has on the surrounding environment so that they can do what they're able to do to reduce that impact.

If you are interested in learning more, visit the Green Hotel Association website at: www.greenhotels.com

A COMPOSTING IDEA YOU MAY NOT HAVE CONSIDERED

One of Amma's New Mexico children would like to share the following information about composting.

I have had a composting toilet for 6yrs and I highly recommend the practice. The Humanure Handbook is a great resource for anyone interested in this subject.

The Humanure Handbook by Joseph Jenkins is a hilarious and informative read (includes comics!). (Available through Plants of the Southwest or jenkinspublishing.com.) Tremendously practical for those interested in one of our greatest natural resources. Did you know that there are cities in Canada, Nova Scotia, and a few in the US that are composting humanure and selling it as fertilizer? Properly composted humanure is safe, natural and completes the cycle.

For those who do not want to make their own humanure composting toilet (although the sawdust toilets in the Humanure Handbook are simple to make, foolproof to use), there are many companies that offer efficient self-contained composting toilets. The Handbook lists many composter manufacturers and companies that will provide composter home building plans. You can also google the keywords 'composting toilets.' I have been using a Sun-Mar Corporation toilet. They have been making these units and winning awards for over 40 years. Sun-Mar also keeps a list of composter owners that are willing to talk with people who are considering buying the toilets.

Properly made humanure is great for the garden and fruit trees. Try it, you will get great results.

OCTOBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you would like to receive Tulasi (Holy Basil) seeds that have been blessed by Mother so that you can grow your own plants, please e-mail ashram@ammacenter.org. Please state how many seeds you would like and include your name and physical mailing address.

I will not be in New Mexico for this fourth quarter, but fall is a great time for planting some trees. If you are interested in coordinating a tree planting project, or you would just like to be involved in any tree planting that might be happening around the state, call Tree New Mexico at 505-265-4554 for further information on any fall tree planting that might be happening in your area. If you do end up coordinating a project I would love to have you write an article (it can be short! or you can just brief me on what happened and I can write it up) for the next newsletter so that folks can know how it went!

For those of you who have just been added to the e-mailing list, if you would like to receive the first issue of the NMGF e-newsletter distributed last quarter, just e-mail Nancy Griffiths

"The Earth is our Mother. Nature is our Mother. We should not forget our duty towards our Mother."
Amma on India's Independence Day August 15, 2005

For more information on GreenFriends activities in the United States, visit:
www.amma.org
and click on Humanitarian Activities.

For more information on GreenFriends activities Internationally, visit:
www.amritapuri.org
and click on Nature Care.