Touching a Machine is Touching the Fate of the Earth

Climate change is not caused solely by emissions, but also by human overindulgence. We must understand cause and effect (karmic law) deeply to live in harmony with nature and protect all life. There is a film that contains ideas so shocking they are difficult for many to watch.

The movie is titled "The Man from Earth." It features no fighting or robbery. Only five or six people sit in a small house, talking back and forth. Yet, this film has forced intellectuals around the world to re-examine their entire religious perspectives. In the story, John, a man who has lived for fourteen thousand years, recounts meeting the Buddha. He then brought the teachings of compassion to the land of Israel to resist the brutal Roman Empire. He was the Jesus we know today.

The message is profound: truth is one. All major religions lead back to the same source. This fills us with both pride and love. We feel proud because Buddhism is the authentic path, and we feel loving because everyone seeking truth can meet at a common point.

World leaders bow before the Buddha

Recently, Hillary Clinton, a candidate for US president, shared images of herself lighting incense, paying homage to the Buddha, and practicing meditation. Before her, President Obama sent messages honoring Vesak, the Buddha's birthday. This is surprising, as they come from a predominantly Christian nation.

We see that the most powerful, knowledgeable, and influential people on earth are beginning to publicly express their reverence for the Buddha's teachings (Dharma). We may not be the wisest or most powerful, but we are fortunate to have been disciples of the Buddha across many lifetimes. This life is merely a continuation on our path of practice.

Climate Change – The Earth is Angry

This year is hotter than any other. India, Pakistan, and Thailand suffer deathly droughts. More than thirteen hundred farmers have taken their own lives due to crop failures. Even Dubai, a place of immense wealth, is quietly planning mass migration because the heat has become unbearable. We see white sunlight instead of golden light. Optically, white light represents the highest intensity. The sun is heating up.

However, there is a deeper cause that not everyone sees: it stems from human indulgence. When we are angry, our faces turn red and hot. The sun is the same; it becomes angry because we provoke it. Who provokes the sun? Those who do not climb Phat Quang Mountain to celebrate Vesak. Humans are intelligent enough to create machines, but using them for excessive enjoyment burns away the blessings from merit of humanity.

The Key Lies in How We Use Machines

Every machine, from motorcycles to air conditioners and phones, offers two paths. If we use machines for pleasure, partying, and seeking thrills, our blessings from merit deplete quickly, and our lifespan shortens. If we use them for practice, learning, and service, life remains sustainable.

If we use these machines to cultivate ourselves, perform good deeds, serve others, and contribute to society, life will endure infinitely. For example, if it is thirty-seven degrees outside and you set your air conditioner to twenty degrees, your blessings from merit diminish immediately. Bathing in water significantly hotter or colder than the ambient temperature also reduces merit. Small actions like wandering aimlessly or playing loud karaoke are ways of "provoking" the sun.

Living in Harmony with Nature

Understanding this, we should be careful when touching any machine. Live more simply and with greater restraint. Do not chase fleeting sensations of pleasure while ignoring the future.

Live in harmony with nature. Do not demand such cleanliness that you pollute rivers with soap. Do not cool your rooms so excessively that you heat the outside world further. Please share this insight with family and friends, and post it on social media. If each person understands even a little, the world will slow its march toward destruction. We have an opportunity to live sustainably, starting with a gentler air conditioner setting, fewer unnecessary outings, and more words of love.