Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) is one of the world's great living spiritual teachers and humanitarians. I have deep love and respect for her as a role model, as a teacher, and as a woman who is blazing new paths. She has created a network of humanitarian initiatives known as Embracing the World, which exemplifies her passion for and emphasis on being of service in the world while also protecting the environment. These initiatives include food kitchens, homeless alleviation efforts, environmental preservation projects, free healthcare services, tutoring for under served youth, and free mindfulness classes for mental well-being.

Last year, on the occasion of her 65th birthday, her Green Friends campaign requested that each of us plant a tree somewhere in the world, as she so often emphasizes the importance of planting trees. I felt so happy to do this. Therefore, this Apple Tree is being donated in her name and her honor for her birthday, because she is an embodiment of service, nurture, and feeding people worldwide.

With gratitude for our community, the garden and life,

Susi Lippuner from Truckee, California.

When you plant your tree or trees, please send photos of it and/or your tree-planting stories to info@greenfriendsna.org.

Planting Amma's apple tree