Over the last century, human civilization has experienced rapid technological and industrial advancement. Although this progress has brought convenience into our lives and a high degree of economic development, it has cost the Earth dearly. The beautiful natural environment has been devastated by pollution, and the limited resources of our planet are almost depleted due to unrestrained exploitation by humankind. Master once said to us, "This Earth is really beautiful! I don't want her to be destroyed so quickly. People in this world spent a lot of money going to the moon, but they spend very little on taking care of the Earth. This is not right!"

Although we are only visitors on this planet, we ought to think about future generations and all the other sentient beings living here. Each one of us is obliged to love and care for this beautiful Earth. In addition to encouraging us to practice diligently and protect the Earth, Master has, since the early years of Her preaching, consistently taught fellow practitioners how to save energy and preserve the natural environment in daily life. Master's forward-looking concepts have been more penetrating and thorough than the environmental protection ideals advocated by scholars and experts. Even before the world became widely aware of today's drastic ecological and climatic changes, Master had already warned humankind and offered practical solutions to these serious problems: vegetarianism and reforestation. (Please refer to Master's 1994 discourse in Japan: "The Way to Save the World from Doomsday".) Such general knowledge and concepts may not be profound theories, but they are absolutely feasible and effective. Through Master's words and actions, we witness and learn a scripture that is very much alive with the wisdom of an Enlightened Master.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
at the Shatin Center, Hong Kong,
September 11, 1993 (Originally in Chinese)

Our planet is suffering from severe devastation in this age, as trees are cut down and mountain forests destroyed indiscriminately. Many beautiful places have been ruined and reduced to deserts. New deserts are emerging every year. Take a look at the statistics and you will know. Consequently, the Earth's climate has changed drastically. It has become peculiar with the occurrence of many typhoons and earthquakes, and sharp fluctuations in temperature. Mercury readings soar high in places with normally cold climates and plunge low in places with warm climates. Our bodies can hardly adapt to the changes. For instance, we may be accustomed to living in Hong Kong, where the weather turns cool in September and October, and becomes really cold in November and December. Our bodies have already adapted to these annual variations, and a sudden change brings physical discomfort. We may become ill and have lots of trouble.