When Hanoi’s Autumn Vanishes: Lessons on the Precious Things We Neglect

Our beloved Hanoi seems to have lost its autumn. Although this month marks the beginning of fall, we no longer experience the gentle weather of years past. Hanoi’s autumn was once famous for its beauty, comfort, peace, and happiness. Yet now, the moment a rain shower ends, the heat returns immediately. What is happening to our planet?

The Earth Warms Up – A Suffering Shared by All

In his dharma talk titled "Sufferings in Life," Venerable Thich Chan Quang highlighted a sad reality: the earth is warming day by day, and Hanoi’s autumn is gradually disappearing. This harsh heat is not limited to Vietnam; the entire world faces it. Rising temperatures cause thousands of deaths, potentially escalating to millions or billions if nothing changes. However, the root cause is not merely greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Venerable, it is also the law of cause and effect (karmic law). When humans destroy life, we must bear the consequences.

He stated, "If there is an apocalypse, it means that life will be destroyed because we have created the causes that ruin the precious life on this planet."

The Venerable used analogies to illustrate this point. If you waste money just for fun, you will eventually become poor. If you squander your talent and health through reckless behavior, those gifts will vanish. If you criticize and belittle those who love you, you will end up in loneliness. Similarly, with this planet, we are wasting its very life force.

The Two Most Precious Things Humans Betray

The Venerable emphasized that among all valuable things in life, two are extremely precious: the life of this planet and the Buddha’s teachings leading to enlightenment. The existence of life on Earth is rare; out of a thousand planets, only one may harbor life. Meanwhile, the Buddha’s teachings offer the path to escape suffering. Yet, we have betrayed both.

"We are no longer worthy of being human. We are no longer worthy of living on this miraculous planet."

We live superficially, relying too much on what comes easily, and taking these gifts for granted. It is like a child spoiled by their parents from a young age, assuming everything is natural, only realizing the value when the parents pass away. In contrast, an orphan standing outside the door craves love but never receives it. This lesson teaches us that the easier something is to obtain, the more likely we are to lose it.

Oxygen – An Incalculable Gift Being Wasted

We breathe air and assume it is a given right. But oxygen has a price, and that cost is paid by the green forests being burned down. The Venerable pointed out that internal combustion engines, thermal power plants, and even the fans we use consume oxygen and emit toxic gases. If we use oxygen for beneficial purposes, it is justified. But if we waste it, burning forests for amusement, we are destroying our own source of life.

He said, "We breathe air and think that being born into this life obligates the universe to provide oxygen for us. But oxygen does not come free; it has a cost."

Plastic waste follows the same logic. When we throw away a plastic bag, we think it is a trivial matter. Yet, it kills marine life and creates microplastics that enter our food and air. The Venerable calls this a "crime" because it destroys life.

Everyday Suffering and Lessons on Happiness

Beyond environmental suffering, life is filled with other pains. The Venerable listed them: suffering due to lack of food, overwork, competitive pressure, cramped housing, or homelessness. But the greatest suffering is failing to recognize that we are suffering. We feel powerful when we curse others on the street, and happy when we own a beautiful car. But viewed from the heavenly realms, we are merely ants carrying prey or snails crawling through moss.

The Venerable taught that only those with wisdom and moral integrity can reflect on their condition and see that everything is suffering (dukkha). Those without wisdom believe they are happy. They struggle and compete, only understanding the truth after experiencing loss.

Living Mindfully – Transforming Karma

So, what should we do? The Venerable urged everyone to start with small actions: reduce single-use plastics, consciously protect the environment, and most importantly, cherish the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) with diligence in study and practice. When we dedicate ourselves to life, behave ethically, and help others attain enlightenment, consuming resources becomes justified. But if we live only for pleasure and destruction, the end times are near.

Awaken today! Do not wait until the planet is gone and we become wandering ghosts to feel regret. Begin with a loving gaze toward life and deep reverence for the Dharma. This is the only way to transform karma and find true happiness.