Reflections on the Los Angeles Wildfire

Xuefeng

January 14, 2025

Starting on January 7, 2025, the California wildfires have been described online as “hellfire,” “a living purgatory,” “apocalyptic scenes,” and “reminiscent of the aftermath of a nuclear explosion.” The once vibrant and beautiful city has been reduced to ruins. So far, the wildfires have claimed 24 lives, with 16 people still missing. Over 15,000 buildings have been destroyed, 150,000 people evacuated, and economic losses have already exceeded $150 billion, with the fires still raging.

Two peculiar phenomena have been observed: numerous fire points ignited almost simultaneously around the Hollywood Hills, and a strange wind called “Santa Ana,” with speeds reaching 80-100 mph, not only accelerated the wildfire’s spread but also obstructed aerial firefighting efforts.

Why did so many fire points ignite at the same time? And why did this bizarre, powerful wind emerge at such a critical moment?

Let us recall an incident in Japan where a mudslide paused for 16 seconds, allowing a van to pass to safety, before resuming its torrential flow. What force caused this brief suspension? A mudslide, plunging downward with immense force, suddenly halting as if slamming on brakes—does this not defy physical principles?

Consider a phenomenon in quantum mechanics: when a particle is observed by a conscious mind, it materializes as a particle and takes on form. Without observation, it remains a wave, lacking specific shape or manifestation. This suggests that everything in the world exists as a result of conscious observation. Without consciousness, nothing exists.

From this, we might propose a hypothesis: the emergence and occurrence of all things and phenomena result from consciousness.

Taking this further, we can infer that everything we see and experience is a reflection of our consciousness.

Thus, natural disasters on Earth—floods, fires, storms, droughts, epidemics—might be manifestations of the collective consciousness of people in those regions, or more precisely, the consciousness of the majority. According to Lifechanyuan’s values, reality is a reflection of the state of people’s minds. For example, frequent illnesses may be outward expressions of ugly elements within the mind. This is akin to the environment of a household: those who value cleanliness and order have homes that are tidy and beautiful, while those indifferent to neatness live amidst clutter and disorder.

Of course, wildfires do not occur because people consciously wish for them. Rather, they result from a lack of reverence for the Greatest Creator, for LIFE, and for nature, as well as from deviations from the natural way. In other words, these disasters occur because the inner worlds of the majority have issues. People often pursue things that violate the natural order and principles, leading to calamities.

The Los Angeles wildfire, whether caused by human negligence, an unextinguished campfire, lightning, or a power line sparking a snake or bird, happened for a reason. This aligns with the ancient wisdom: “A true gentleman does not deliberately seek blessings; Heaven bestows them naturally. A cunning person tries to avoid misfortune, but Heaven takes his vitality precisely because of his scheming.”

The Los Angeles wildfire has inflicted devastating losses on the local population, which is heart-wrenching. We hope the affected individuals can find the strength to rebuild their homes. At the same time, we should reflect on whether our inner thoughts and pursuits align with heavenly principles and the natural way. Following the natural law of “you reap what you sow,” the wildfire may serve as a warning: visible phenomena are determined by unseen factors, and reality is shaped by consciousness. Thus, as we rebuild our physical homes, we must also rebuild the gardens of our minds.

Whether it is war, turmoil, crime, natural disasters, or conflicts between people, if we trace them to their roots, we will find that the source lies in human minds. Therefore, the most important task in life is to purify our minds. The most effective way to prevent diseases and disasters is also through mind purification. Lifechanyuan offers courses on mind purification, which may hold profound value and significance for humanity.

May the world be free from fires, floods, storms, droughts, and plagues. May every person on Earth live in peace, health, happiness, and joy. May humanity soon experience the beauty and harmony of the Lifechanyuan Era—a heavenly utopia on Earth.