17_Returning to Nature, Harmonious Coexistence

Returning to Nature, Harmonious Coexistence

introductory

"Returning to nature" can be interpreted in two ways: first, returning to one's true nature; and second, returning to following the laws of nature. "Harmony and coexistence", according to the understanding of "return to nature", there are also two interpretations: one is to return to the nature of their own direct retribution in harmony, and see the harmony of the circumstantial reward; the second is to follow the laws of nature, and realize the harmony of coexistence. However, the main focus here is on the relationship between human beings returning to nature and living in harmony with nature.
In today's world of rapid technological development, the relationship between mankind and nature is becoming increasingly tense. Environmental issues such as global climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution and resource depletion are affecting our lives and our future at an unprecedented rate. Against this backdrop, it is particularly important to look to ancient wisdom for solutions to contemporary problems. Buddhism, one of the world's oldest religions, offers a unique and profound perspective on nature and the environment.
The Buddhist interpretation of the idea of "returning to nature and living in harmony" emphasizes the profound connection and interdependence between human beings (direct retribution) and nature (circumstantial reward). Through this article, we will explore how Buddhism, with its profound teachings, can provide guidance and inspiration for the environmental challenges we face today. Drawing on Buddhist texts and teachings, we will analyze how this ancient wisdom can be used to solve the world's environmental problems and achieve harmony between man and nature.

Buddhist Interpretations of Humanity and the Natural Environment
Buddhism emphasizes the equality of all beings and the spirituality of all things. At that time, the Buddha saw a star at night under the Bodhi tree and realized, "Wondrous! Wondrous! All sentient beings on earth are equal and possess the wisdom and virtue of the Buddha, but they do not realize it because they are covered by ignorance". Therefore, all beings are equal and all things are spiritual and should be respected. This concept emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with all living beings in nature. In Buddhist scriptures, such as the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, it is said that "all living beings have Buddha nature", which can be interpreted as equal respect for all living beings.
Closer to home, it is consistent with the idea in the Avatamsaka Sutra that "when the mind is born, all kinds of phenomena are born; when the mind is destroyed, all kinds of phenomena are destroyed". "The mind is the essence of the world, and the color of wandering life and death, as well as everything in the world around us, are all determined by the mind. The "mind" follows the contaminated conditions to become the six realm of living beings, and the "mind" follows the pure conditions to become the four kinds of sages, namely, the voice, the karma, the bodhisattva, and the Srāvakas, Pratyeka, Bodhisattva and Buddha. The direct retribution (the person) determines the circumstantial reward (the environment in which one lives).
(The environment in which we live) influences the direct retribution (the person), and they are complementary to each other.
In order to change the natural environment, we must change people's mindset. By practicing good deeds and positive energy, the environment will change. How to change? By asking people to believe in karma.

Harmony between human beings and the natural environment from a cause-and-effect perspective

The Buddhist law of cause and effect (Karma) interprets environmental issues. The Buddhist law of cause and effect emphasizes that our actions (causes) bring about corresponding results (consequences). Karma is one of the core teachings of Buddhism. This teaching can be extended to the relationship between humans and nature, meaning that our actions towards nature have consequences, both good and bad. When we look at a tree, a flower, an insect, we begin to realize our interdependence. The concept of cause and effect emphasizes that every intervention we make in the natural world has long-term consequences. For example, over-consumption and resource destruction may lead to environmental degradation and ecological imbalance, which in turn will affect human survival and development. Therefore, we can extend environmental protection from our own mind to the external nature, we can do this by practicing mindfulness and living a simple life.
Simplicity is a Buddhist approach to living a simple life, emphasizing the reduction of material desires and inner satisfaction. It coincides with the contemporary concept of sustainable living, which reduces the exploitation and consumption of natural resources and the impact on the environment.
There is also the idea of harmony with nature in Buddhist teachings. For example, the theory of "Dependent Arising from the Dharma-realm" mentioned in the Avatamsaka Sutra, there is description of Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. It says that in Siddhartha Gautama's mind, all things are reflected, and that not only everything, but also hell, heaven, and the worlds of all the Buddhas in the ten directions can be reflected at a single moment in time. Not only does it present the present state of all things, but it can also manifest past and future phases. In short, all phenomena in time and space, mundane and divine world, are realized. From this phenomenon, Avatamsaka Sect further develops that all phenomena in the world are infinite and mutually inclusive, individually differentiated and interconnected, mutually reinforcing and mutually treating, there is this in the other, in here there is the other, the other is this, this is the other; perfect interpenetration without obstruction, in the midst of endless connections. Dharma Realm dependent arising is also called Endless Dependent Arising. The theory of Dharma Realm Origination touches upon the universal connection of things, the relationship between cause and effect, and the relationship between essence and phenomenon, reflecting the footsteps of the advancement of ancient Chinese philosophical thinking. It suggests that all things are interconnected and interdependent, that one is all and all is one. This emphasizes that human beings should live in harmony with nature, rather than plundering and destroying it. In order to do this, it is necessary to develop human’s compassion.
Compassion is one of the core values of Buddhism. Loving kindness gives happiness and compassion relieves suffering, both of which are attitudes toward others and are the cornerstone of the Bodhisattva path. Compassion has no enemies. This applies not only to human relationships, but also to relationships with nature. Treating nature with compassion means protecting the environment, cherishing resources, and minimizing harm to nature.
Closer to home, Buddhist culture often embodies a reverence and respect for the natural world. This attitude encourages people to recognize that they are part of the natural world rather than dominators. From this perspective, people are encouraged to take more environmentally friendly actions, such as planting trees and protecting water resources.
By linking these Buddhist teachings with current environmental issues, it is not difficult to realize that Buddhism provides contemporary society with a spiritual guidance and practical path on how to live in harmony with nature.

Application of Prajna Wisdom in Modern Society
How can the Buddhist Prajna wisdom be applied to solve the problems of the natural environment today?
First, the Buddhist law of cause and effect teaches us that every action has a corresponding consequence. This can be applied to environmental ethics by encouraging people to realize that their actions toward the environment (e.g., use of plastic products, excessive consumption, etc.) will have a long-term impact on the planet. By instilling this environmental awareness, people can realize that it is everyone's responsibility to be environmentally friendly, and gradually develop the habit of doing so, and continue to make it a regular part of their lives.
Next is the cultivation of compassion. Buddhism emphasizes compassion for all life, a perspective that is particularly important in the current context of animal protection and biodiversity conservation. For example, the protection of wild animals is not only a consideration of ecological balance, but also a realization of respect and compassion for all life. It is important to emphasize here that a person who does not know

compassionate to himself is incapable of being compassionate to others. For he himself is one of the sentient beings.
True compassion can cut off the root cause of all troubles, with only gratitude in the heart.
Buddhism advocates a simple life and encourages modern people to reduce material consumption and waste. In the face of consumerism and overproduction, modern society requires people to pursue spiritual food rather than material accumulation, thus promoting sustainable social development.
The Buddhist concept of harmonious coexistence requires people to be harmonious themselves first, and then, from themselves to the natural environment. This concept can be applied to the planning of cities and the natural environment. For example, the development of eco-cities and green buildings not only protects the natural environment, but also creates a healthier and more harmonious living space for human beings.
In addition, the Buddhist practice of meditation can help people to improve their own wisdom and to develop wisdom from meditation. Of course, in order to truly achieve the goal of meditation, one must first observe the five precepts and practice the ten virtues before entering the realm of meditation. This is what the Buddhists mean by: from precepts comes meditation, and from meditation comes wisdom, which leads to the cultivation of a deep sense of environment. Through zazen, people can better understand their deep connection with the natural world, thus inspiring a positive attitude toward environmental protection.
Utilizing these environmental concepts in Buddhist teachings, public awareness of environmental issues can be raised in education and community activities. Through lectures, seminars and community activities, Buddhist organizations can play an important role in raising environmental awareness.
The Buddhist wisdom of Prajna can provide a new perspective on modern environmental challenges and solutions to these problems. This will not only help to raise the environmental awareness of individuals, but also help to promote the development of society as a whole in a more sustainable and harmonious direction.

Conclusion
As we explore Buddhist teachings on the interpretation of the natural environment and the application of this prajna wisdom in solving current environmental problems, we can draw some important conclusions. Buddhist teachings such as the law of cause and effect, the equality of all beings, compassion, and simplicity of life not only provide us with a way of living in greater harmony with nature, but also offer profound insights and practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing modern society.

First, Buddhist teachings emphasize the concepts of karma and the equanimity of all beings, prompting us to reexamine our lifestyles and our impact on the environment. By reducing waste, preserving biodiversity and adopting sustainable consumption patterns, we not only follow Buddhist teachings, but also contribute to the health and future of the planet.

Secondly, the promotion of compassion and simple living encourages us to take more environmentally friendly and responsible actions. This includes not only changes at the individual level, such as reducing material consumption and conserving resources, but also the promotion of environmental initiatives and policies at the community and societal levels.

Finally, the application of Buddhist wisdom of Prajna to modern environmental issues demonstrates the bridge between traditional thinking and modern challenges. This cross-generational dialogue not only enriches our understanding of environmental protection, but also provides us with a more harmonious and balanced way of life.

In summary, the teachings of Buddhism not only guide people on a spiritual level, but also inspire them to pursue harmony with nature. In the face of increasingly serious environmental problems, we can draw wisdom and inspiration from Buddhism, and translate these teachings into practical actions to create a more sustainable and harmonious world.

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Vietnamese Version
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