Adventures on Mars: “The Martian” by Andy Weir

Author Andy Weir grew up with a deep love of science fiction, enjoying books such as “The Caves of Steel” series by Isaac Asimov, and also the “Red Planet” by Robert A. Heinlein. He spent three years crafting the tale of “The Martian,” which began as a software engineer’s experimental thought and became the “Casey and Andy” web comic.

The story is set in the year 2035. Astronaut Mark Watney is exploring Mars with his team, having landed on the Martian plain Acidalia Planitia. A month-long stay is planned until a severe dust storm takes a sudden turn and almost topples their Mars Ascent Vehicle, or MAV. It turns out that Mark has survived, although with injuries. He begins recording his experiences. His philosophy is to “work the problem,” solving each challenge in turn as it confronts him.

Full of twists and turns, this fascinating and inspiring novel not only shows us the main character’s creativity and courage to conquer incredible hardships and loneliness, but it also tells a tale about the humanity, friendship, devotion, and cooperation across nations.

In 2009, our Most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai shared some precious insights on the inhabitants of Mars and their sad history. “The mass extinction came, they died, not only human beings on there, but the animal-people also. They died by two main poisonous gases, namely hydrogen sulfide and nitrous oxide, plus methane as the third course. But hydrogen sulfide and methane from the livestock began to warm the climate and then triggered more other gases from the ocean, from permafrost and glaciers around their planet. Just like what is happening to our planet right now.

So they know what’s happening to our planet, almost like what happened to them. And of course they cannot help, they know they cannot help, but of course, they have a message. There were two messages. The first one is from the Council of the People and there are only two words from them: ‘Be Virtuous.’ And the second message is from the Chairman of the People. He says: ‘Save your home before it’s too late.’”