Luther Burbank and his Spineless Cactus on my dresser

Part I.
I’m not here to hurt you. You don’t need any thorns.

On my dresser sits a large terracotta pot with a spineless cactus petal.  After quite a bit of research, I was able to find a nursery in Oregon that was able to provide the cutting: Siskiyouseeds.  I received it in the mail on May 2, 2023 with a small slip of water-stained paper containing handwritten instructions: “Set the cactus cutting on top of soil and leave alone for three months without water. After three months water sparingly.”

One year and one month later, after absolutely nothing happened, the cutting suddenly sprouted a new shoot - straight up into the air.  As it began to grow (at least half an inch a day) it would bend toward the light of the window.  To keep it straight I started rotating it daily.  Currently, the sprout is 2 feet tall.

The spineless cactus is nothing short of a miracle.  The reader is directed to the fascinating section in the book Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda titled "Luther Burbank: A saint Amidst the Roses", Chapter 38, in which he writes captivatingly: 

“‘The secret of improved plant breeding, apart from scientific knowledge, is love.’ Luther Burbank uttered this wisdom as I walked beside him in his garden in Santa Rosa, California. “…While I was conducting experiments to make ‘spineless’ cacti,” he continued, “I often talked to the plants to create a vibration of love…Gradually the useful plant of the desert emerged in a thornless variety.”  I was charmed at this miracle. “Please, dear Luther, give me a few cactus leaves to plant in my garden at Mount Washington.” …“I myself will pluck them for the swami.”  He handed me three leaves, which later I planted, rejoicing as they grew to huge estate….With the indefatigability of genius, he went on to present the world with hundreds of crossed improvements on nature — his new Burbank varieties of tomato, corn, squash, cherries, plums, nectarines, berries, poppies, lilies, roses. … “I see humanity now as one vast plant, needing for its highest fulfillments only love [and] the natural blessings of the great outdoors…I look forward optimistically to a healthy, happy world as soon as its children are taught the principles of simple and rational living.  We must return to nature and nature’s God.”

As Yogananda is possibly one of the most revered if not the most influential Hindu Saints in history, it is no small feature that he dedicated his book to "Luther Burbank, An American Saint” the father of the spineless cactus and dozens of other ingenious hybrid varieties.*

Part II.
Quantum Intentions

As I sit on the edge of my bed, dust floats through the splayed beams of golden morning sunlight as it fractures through my window and across my room. I stare in awe at the Burbank cactus. It has grown at least an inch over night - again! I view it as a connection to Yogananda, and to Burbank, without whom the cactus would not exist. Burbank’s claims about coaxing the plant to reproduce without the defensive spines through the power of intention, love, and positive emotion, though made in the 1940s, is validated increasingly by today’s quantum science research (i.e. "The Double Slit Experiment." )

In his work The Hidden Messages in Water Dr. Masaru Emoto explores the concept that like plants, water too is influenced by human consciousness, emotion, and intention. Dr. Emoto conducted numerous experiments where he exposed water to various influences, such as music, written word, and expressed emotions, and then froze the water to observe the formation of ice crystals. He produced photographic images with a special microscope and the results were stunning - images of the water exposed to positive influences, such as loving words or classical music, showed beautifully symmetrical ice crystals, while water exposed to negative influences, such as harsh words or heavy metal music, formed distorted and chaotic shapes.

According to Dr. Emoto, these observations suggested that water could "memorize" and respond to the energetic vibrations of thoughts, emotions, and intentions. He proposed that positive and negative influences could have a transformative effect not only on water but by extension, on our own well-being and even that of the environment.

Part III.
Babies Immitate Mothers. Farmers Should Imitate Nature.

In regenerative farming, the idea of cultivating an attitude of love, care, and respect towards the land and plants is fundamental. While it might seem wishy-washy to those unfamiliar with it, and while it isn’t necessarily spoken of in such terms by agriculturists, it’s practical application by the Biodynamic and Regenerative communities is nearly universal and is proven time and again by the extreme success of the farms implementing it.

The fact of the matter is, farmers maintaining such an outlook are more likely to be in a state of receptivity, awareness, thoughtfulness, and empathy toward the ecosystems, livestock, and produce around them, and to be in such states more often, especially while on the farm observing and managing plants, animals and ecosystems. These attitudes have a direct impact on how decision are made by the farmer - to use or not to use herbicides, to till or not to till, to mimic nature or not to mimic nature, to run an enterprise that takes more from the land than it gives, etc. The attitude, in fact, is an underlying guidepost in the regenerative farmer’s decision making framework, whether he is aware of it or not (and most are aware of it). As such, sustainable and regenerative practices are naturally cultivated and favored.

Furthermore, these ideas - that human emotions and intentions have a direct impact on the environment around us - can serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings. They emphasizes the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the world around us, with our resources, and with our methods of managing our environment.

While the specific claims of Burbank and Dr. Emoto may require further scientific investigation and validation, their focus on the role of human consciousness, love, and energy in relation to plants, animals, and environments inspires an approach to farming and land stewardship that takes the the well-being of the environment, plants, and animals as a prerequisite for the advancement of any activity. It becomes the litmus test to determine if and when various activities should be undertaken and if and when they should be foregone.

In the meantime, each morning I greet my spineless cactus with a smile and a heart felt “thank you” for this incredible lesson in the power of love, intention, and holistic care.

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Footnotes:

* "Autobiography of a Yogi" is a spiritual and autobiographical classic written by Paramahansa Yogananda, a renowned Indian yogi and spiritual teacher. The book was first published in 1946 and has since become a classic in the field of spiritual literature.  Selling countless millions of copies, the book has been in continuous publication for more than 7 decades. 

The book takes readers on a journey through the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, starting from his childhood in India to his encounters with various spiritual masters and his eventual establishment of the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in the United States.

In "Autobiography of a Yogi," Yogananda shares his experiences, teachings, and encounters with spiritual luminaries of his time, including his own guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri. He recounts his search for truth, his practice of yoga and meditation, and his deep spiritual awakening.

The book provides a glimpse into the yogic traditions of India, shedding light on topics such as meditation, Kriya Yoga, the science of miracles, and the existence of saints and yogis with extraordinary powers. It delves into the profound wisdom and insights gained through Yogananda's personal spiritual journey.

"Autobiography of a Yogi" not only offers a captivating narrative of Yogananda's life but also imparts spiritual teachings and principles that can inspire and guide readers on their own spiritual paths. The book has touched the lives of millions worldwide and continues to be a source of inspiration for seekers of truth and spiritual awakening.

Yogananda's writing style in the book is both informative and uplifting, blending storytelling with philosophical insights and spiritual wisdom, all scribed in prose that suggests a great love and respect for sanskrit, Bengali, and English. His ability to convey complex spiritual concepts in a relatable manner has contributed to the book's enduring popularity and, as his devout followers claim, is the basis for the world's most "inclusive, practical, and scientific" religion. 

"Autobiography of a Yogi" has been translated into numerous languages and has been fundamental in introducing the teachings of yoga and meditation to the Western world. It has garnered praise from numerous individuals, including spiritual leaders, scientists, presidents, opera singers, conductors, senators, and scholars, and remains one of the most respected and cherished work in the field of spirituality.