Meet the plants: holy basil

“A spiritual practice involves, on the one hand, acting out of concern for others' well-being. On the other, it entails transforming ourselves so that we become more readily able to do so.” -The Dalai Lama

Ocimum sanctum L.

The great adaptogen and enchanting herb, Ocimum sanctum L. is native to Southeast Asia. Sometimes called Tulsi or Holy Basil– this plant has a history as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms.  Gaurav Mandal tells us that tulsi is sometimes called “The Elixir of Life'' and “Mother Medicine of Nature” in Ayurveda specifically, Tulsi is classified as a “rasayana,” delineating its MVP (most valuable player) status in the realm of adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall well being. Recognizing that the herb helps restore the central nervous system and keep it in balance, many believe that Holy Basil also possesses curative properties when it comes to addressing the “Mind-Spirit '' causes of disease. 

Consuming fresh leaves first thing in the morning is believed to help reduce blood pressure, lower stress and also helps in the management of type 2 diabetes (adult onset); is analgesic and anti-inflammatory amongst its many other beneficial properties. 

From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Tulsi is important in the Hindu culture. This plant is believed to be the consort of Lord Vishnu – an important part of the Hindu trinity (Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva). In local languages, the Tulsi plant is often referred to as having feminine qualities or as ‘she’ and is associated with Lakshmi. Holy basil is grown outside many temples, and the woody stems of plants that have died are used to make beads for sacred japa mala (similar to rosaries). Of all the herbs used within Ayurveda, tulsi is distinguished and scientific research is now confirming its beneficial and often mystical effects. 

Tulsi growing in an altar, image from the interwebs

Let us call prison abolition a spiritual practice. In a society whose imagination is crippled by personal and collective trauma, it is important to illustrate not only what is wrong with systems of injustice, but also what is possible. How else can we imagine a landscape without prisons?

How would you define spiritual practices? How is imaging a landscape without prisons a spiritual practice?

What are the most sacred practices of PIC Abolition?

Who or what are you committed to, beholden to?

Are there any things you remain loyal to, perhaps out of fear or habit, that do not serve you or your highest purpose?