Green Friends
GREEN FRIENDS - AMMA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRTION AT MA CENTER LA
On the occasion of Swami Dayamritananda Puri's September 21st visit to MA Center Los Angeles, the GreenFriends of Southern California gathered to offer their homegrown fruits and vegetables for Amma's birthday.
Amma's children could choose from an abundant selection of homegrown grapes, apples, guava, pomegranates, drumsticks, tindora, sweet potatoes, chilis, moringa leaves, and curry leaves. Additionally, the GreenFriends' collective efforts provided Amma's children with a selection of live plants, including Tulsi, milkweed, grape vines, mint, oregano, empress trees, and ground cherries.
Growing fruits and vegetables is a demonstration of companionship with nature and "shradha", or attentiveness. The plants really do respond to the loving attention we give them, and doing so helps us to act on our feelings of love for Nature and Amma.
Furthermore, we often hear Amma say that "it is very hard to read under the light of a low-voltage bulb, but when a number of bulbs are connected in a series, you can easily read a book under the light". A gathering such as this was a simple yet inspiring demonstration of the bliss which spreads when Amma's children are following Her teachings.
If you too would like to share the results of your gardening activities, please reach out to GreenFriends' coordinator for MA Center LA, Charles Lucas at GF@la.macenters.org
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GREEN FRIENDS - BEACH CLEAN-UP
Saturday Morning - Sep 20, 2025 9:00am-12:00pm
WORLD CLEAN UP DAY AT MOTHERS BEACH WITH HEAL THE BAY
Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri's unexpected request for World Clean up Day gave MA Center LA's Green Friends an opportunity to lend our efforts to other communities who were similarly inspired to serve Nature on World Cleanup Day.
Four devotees from the Los Angeles area gathered at Mother's Beach in Marina Del Rey, on Global Clean-up Day in support of Heal the Bay’s efforts in Los Angeles County. Heal the Bay has been coordinating clean-up efforts throughout Los Angeles County for the past 35 years.
Touching the earth and breathing the open air by the water was a nourishing experience which infused our otherwise difficult task with a special sense of peace.
In Los Angeles, GreenFriends is continuing to define activities which will serve Amma's children to cultivate their friendship with Nature. Participating in local clean-up drives was an inspiring activity.
EMBRACING THE TREES AND GREEN FRIENDS
Greenfriend's is reorganizing and assembling a new team. Charles is the MA Center LA Green Friends Coordinator for LA and surrounding areas. Charles would like to connect with Green Friends enthusiasts with ideas or a desire to participate in Green Friends activities. Start a conversation with Charles today at: GF@la.macenters.org
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We would love to hear about what "Green" activities you have been up to and see your pictures! Have you been gardening, tree planting/care, hiking, walking, fostering animals, reducing your use of single use plastic, or anything else that promotes our connection with nature and all living beings? You can post on our Facebook page, tag us on Instagram or send to GF@la.macenters.org and we will share!
Come connect with us and let's cultivate the GreenFriend in us all!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/greenfriendsla?igshid=nuhv39t7im21
Facebook: GreenFriendsla
TREES INITIATIVE (currently on hiatus)
As part of its commitment to Mother Nature and to communities of Southern California, The Trees Iniative has been propagating and planting trees in North County San Diego area.
On Occassion the trees iniative teaches participants how to propagate and plant different types of fruit trees using simple techniques.
No experience is necessary. All supplies and tools are provided. Carpools may be available. These events are free. Please join us and bring your families! Kids are welcome.
Contact Charles at GF@la.macenters.org
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"Trees, animals, birds, plants, forests, mountains, lakes and rivers—everything that exists in nature—is in desperate need of our kindness, compassionate care and protection. If we protect them, they in turn will protect us." -Amma
Founded in 2001, GreenFriends is the international environmental initiative of Embracing the World. It's a volunteer-based movement that promotes environmental awareness and participation at the individual and community levels. GreenFriends seeks to inspire people to serve and protect nature, so that all life-forms may live in harmony upon the Earth.
Find Out More About where GreenFriends Started - at Amma's Ashram in San Ramon California!
If you wish to know more or to be a part of Green friends or the tree iniative email GF@la.macenters.org