Recently, severe smog has plagued the entire country. From large first-tier cities to smaller second- and third-tier cities, all have been hit by an unprecedented blanket of smog. I've been wondering why there's such heavy smog. I'm puzzled. Online searches for the causes of smog mostly point to environmental damage, air pollution, and vehicle exhaust… While these external factors undeniably play a significant role, why haven't other countries experienced similar situations without suffering such widespread and prolonged smog? From a causal perspective, what karmic forces are at play? Is there any way to resolve this? We consulted Buddhist scriptures and found the answer.
In the *Sutra on the Differences in Karmic Retribution Explained by the Buddha to the Elder Sudatta*: "
There are ten kinds of karma that bring external evil retribution. If sentient beings frequently practice these ten unwholesome deeds, they will experience a lack of abundance in all external things.
First, the karma of killing causes external retribution such as saline soil and ineffective medicinal herbs.
Second, the karma of stealing causes external retribution such as frost, hail, locusts, and other pests, leading to famine.
Third, the karma of sexual misconduct causes evil winds and rains." And all dust. (Note: Fog and haze are mainly formed by dust. Tiny particles in the air gather and condense with water vapor, floating in the air to form fog and haze.)
Fourth, due to the karma of false speech, all external objects will be foul and filthy. Fifth
, due to the karma of divisive speech, the external earth will be uneven, with steep cliffs and deep valleys, and overgrown plants.
Sixth, due to the karma of harsh speech, the external retribution will be coarse and unpleasant things such as tiles, stones, and gravel, which are untouchable. Seventh, due
to the karma of frivolous speech, the external retribution will be dense forests with thorny branches.
Eighth, due to the karma of greed, the external retribution will be that all seedlings and crops will have small and insignificant seeds.
Ninth, due to the karma of anger, the external retribution will be that all trees and fruits will be bitter and astringent. Tenth,
due to the karma of wrong views, the external retribution will be that seedlings and crops will not bear fruit, and the harvest will be meager.
These are the ten karmas. We suffer unforeseen consequences.
Let's reflect carefully on the various scenarios we see on the internet, on television, and in society today. These scenarios indeed demonstrate that desires in this world are constantly intensifying. This should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us to pay attention to environmental protection both outwardly and inwardly. Let's work together to strengthen the environmental protection of our minds!
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