Tree Planting at the Abode of Supreme Peace: Tracy, CA
On April 19 2025, the SSSIO-USA Women's Wing along with the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Greater Tracy, CA, organized a Tree Planting initiative to honor Earth Day and offer a heartfelt tribute to Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Approximately 30 dedicated volunteers, including Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) students and young children, enthusiastically participated. The atmosphere was vibrant with joy, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose as both children and adults engaged in loving service.
This event held at the Abode of Supreme Peace, Tracy, CA provided a beautiful opportunity for families to connect through service. Sai volunteers expressed their gratitude to Mother Earth, in keeping with Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s profound message: “Nature is the vesture of God.” And n the hearts of all who took part, were sown the seeds of love, unity, and ecological awareness.
The Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) students and other young volunteers embraced the hands-on experience with zeal, planting trees, picking up litter, digging, and raking soil to prepare for the new growth. It was heartwarming to watch their engagement and excitement as they worked alongside their elders, learning environmental responsibility, teamwork and selfless service. This initiative not only benefited the Earth but also served as a powerful teaching moment, where children absorbed the importance of caring for nature while dedicating their energy to a cause greater than themselves. It was a perfect blend of fun, learning, and spiritual growth, perfectly aligned with Sathya Sai’s teachings.
A Sacred Addition: The Tulasi Madam
As part of the initiative, Sai volunteers lovingly constructed a Tulasi Madam (a traditional basil shrine). At its heart, the holy Tulasi plant—revered in the Indian culture as the embodiment of purity and auspiciousness—was ceremoniously planted with care.
As the Tulasi was placed in its sanctified spot, Sai volunteers chanted the Sai Gayatri Mantra in unison creating a spiritually uplifting vibration that resonated throughout. This collective chanting transformed the mundane moment to one of sacredness. With the Tulasi plant now standing tall, the area was not just a garden, but a living altar of devotion—a powerful symbol of harmony between nature, service, and spirituality.
Expanding Green Spaces
Volunteers lovingly planted a rich variety of fruit trees and plants throughout the grounds. These included lemon, apple, and mango trees, promising both beauty and nourishing fruit. A banyan tree, symbolizing longevity and shelter, was also planted as a sacred addition. To further enhance the natural beauty, elegant calla lilies and a selection of perennial flowering plants were planted, along with various fern varieties to add lush greenery and a peaceful ambiance. Each planting was done with care and devotion, enhancing the serenity of the Abode and embodying the nurturing spirit our beloved Sai so beautifully exemplified.
In the open land surrounding the Abode, a persimmon tree was planted to complement the existing vegetation. Volunteers meticulously trimmed the redwood trees to encourage healthy growth and added support structures to safeguard delicate young saplings. In a collective effort to care for the land, participants also picked up scattered litter, including plastic bottles, paper, and other waste materials. Weeds were carefully removed from around the trees to ensure their roots could thrive, and each plant was closely examined for proper soil moisture and adequate water supply. This work reflected a deep sense of environmental stewardship and dedication to the health of Mother Earth.
The Sweetness of Service: Harvesting Ashram-Grown Sugarcane
Adding a delightful memorable touch to the day, volunteers harvested sugarcane grown within the grounds of the Abode as part of the service activities. The freshly cut sugarcane turned into refreshing juice was served to all devotees. SSE students were especially thrilled—not only to enjoy the juice but to learn the traditional method of extraction. For many, it was their first time experiencing this process, and their enthusiasm and joy made the event so much the sweeter. What made the juice truly extraordinarily sweet was not just its freshness, but the divine atmosphere in which the sugarcane had grown. Immersed in daily Omkaras, Vedic chants, and soulful bhajans, the plants absorbed positive vibrations throughout their life. Perhaps this is why the juice tasted sweeter and purer than any sugar cane juice tasted before. It served as a beautiful reminder: when nature is nurtured with love and divinity, it responds in kind—offering not just nourishment for the body, but joy for the spirit.
These activities were carried out with deep care and dedication, reflecting a harmonious blend of environmental responsibility, spiritual awareness, and loving community participation.