When Hanoi No Longer Has Autumn: Two Precious Things Being Neglected

Venerable Thich Chan Quang warns about the warming of our planet, human suffering, and two most precious things that are being betrayed: the life of this planet and the Buddha’s path to enlightenment.

Our Hanoi seems to have lost its autumn. This month should be fall, yet we do not feel the gentle weather of years past—beautiful, pleasant, peaceful, and happy. Instead, there is only harsh heat. If it rains, the temperature drops slightly, but as soon as the rain stops, the heat returns immediately. It is not just us; the entire world is heating up in this way. Have you ever asked yourself why the earth is growing hotter day by day, and what we are betraying?

## Why Is the Earth Heating Up? The Root Lies in Cause and Effect (Karmic Law)

We often blame greenhouse gas emissions or the greenhouse effect. However, Venerable Thich Chan Quang points out that these are not the primary reasons. The sun suddenly burns more intensely, radiating more heat than the earth can dissipate. Looking from the perspective of cause and effect (karmic law), we understand that if an apocalypse were to occur, it would mean we have created the causes for destroying the precious life on this planet.

In this chain of cause and effect (karmic law), whatever we violate, whatever is precious that we reject, lose, or destroy, will no longer remain with us.

It is like having money but squandering it recklessly; eventually, one becomes poor. Having talent and health but wasting them on frivolous pursuits means those gifts will disappear. Having someone who loves you but failing to cherish them, constantly criticizing others, leads to loneliness. Everything we betray will vanish according to the law of cause and effect (karmic law).

## The Two Most Precious Things Currently Being Betrayed

Among all the precious things in life, there are two extremely valuable aspects that we often inadvertently betray. The first is the life of this planet—a rare and miraculous phenomenon in the universe. Out of a thousand planets, perhaps only one possesses life as ours does. Yet, while living, we simultaneously destroy life by burning forests, dumping waste, and causing global warming. The second is the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) regarding enlightenment—the light that guides humans out of suffering (dukkha). We fail to receive them, lack diligence, show no reverence, and even turn away to seek wrong views.

The second precious thing we betray is the Dharma. The sublime wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings is neglected when we do not accept it, do not practice diligently, do not respect it, do not study it, and do not apply it.

If we betray these two things, we are no longer worthy of being human, nor worthy of living on this magical planet. We become superficial, dependent, and dismissive of what comes easily. Like a child loved by their parents, getting everything they want but failing to appreciate that love, even speaking rudely. Only when the parents pass away early does the child realize the value of that affection. We are the same. We breathe oxygen assuming it is mandatory, unaware that oxygen has a cost—it is the green trees everywhere. By burning forests, creating smoke, and littering, we unintentionally destroy oxygen and thus destroy our own life.

## Fundamental Sufferings (Dukkha): Food, Clothing, and Shelter

Speaking of life’s sufferings (dukkha), the most basic is the lack of essential necessities, especially food. Living without enough to eat is fundamental suffering (dukkha). Our country has experienced war and poverty, where many people did not have enough rice to fill their bellies. Older generations deeply understand this, but younger generations born into prosperity find it hard to comprehend.

There are three basic material values for a human being. First, being well-fed makes one fundamentally valuable. Second, wearing decent clothes without rags is the second value. Third, having a proper house to live in is the third value. If we lack any one of these three, we do not meet the basic conditions for a dignified human life.

Today, food and clothing are relatively adequate, but housing remains a problem. Many people are homeless, forced to wander. Society tries to build charity homes to support them, but many lives still go unhelped.

## Suffering (Dukkha) from Overwork and Competitive Pressure

Another form of suffering (dukkha) arises from working beyond the physical and mental capacity of the body. Laborers carrying coal bags feel pain and exhaustion with each load, yet they must work to feed their families. In modern times, we suffer less physically, but we endure mental anguish due to the pressure of market competition. Businesses strain their minds to create unique products to attract customers. If products do not sell, companies go bankrupt, and workers lose their jobs.

The equation of market economics is extremely harsh and forces the world into tension.

Customers are also employees of other companies, so pressuring one company to suffer ultimately means making everyone suffer. A society that leans heavily to protect only one side’s interests is a suffering (dukkha) society. In life, each person should yield a little to one another.

## Plastic Waste Is a Crime

A profound point emphasized in the dharma talk is that discarding a plastic bag is not merely a lack of awareness; it is a crime. Plastic waste floats in the oceans, killing many species. Whales and dolphins swallow plastic mistaking it for food, choking to death. We are killing life, planting the seeds of destruction, and bringing ourselves closer to the brink of apocalypse.

Throwing away a plastic bag is a crime, reflecting a deep failure in wisdom and ethics.

Our government is encouraging citizens to limit single-use plastics. This is not just environmental protection; it is a lesson in cause and effect (karmic law) and cherishing life.

## Conclusion: Cherish and Practice

Life is full of suffering (dukkha). From hunger and overwork to homelessness, competitive pressure, and environmental destruction. Yet, there is a miracle: when we cherish what we have, live usefully, and contribute to life, the universe compensates us. If we use oxygen to listen to the Dharma and do good deeds, forests will regrow, and oxygen will be replenished. If we cherish life and the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma), we will stop betraying them. Start today: reduce plastic use, protect the environment, practice mindfulness and the right path, and live with compassion. Do not become a common ghost when the end comes, but rather a person who has lived meaningfully.