Expert: Justin Choo - 8/21/2007

Question
Every sentence said by Buddha makes sense and fits perfectly even in today's modern life. As all Buddha said makes sense, how will he explain miracles, those does not make sense and are supernatural? How will a Buddhist explain miracles performed by Jesus?

Answer
Hi Frank,

(Sorry for the delayed reply as I could not access the site yesterday.)

There are a few definitions of "miracle" from the dictionaries.  The most relevent one for your question will be "an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause".  

During the Buddha's time, he had also performed "miraculous feats" like emitting fire on one side of his body and water on the other side.  He had what we called supernatural powers.  In our daily lives we have either witnessed or experienced unusual events.  In fact most of these unusual events in the end could be explained rationally.  That leaves only a very few unexplainable events.  Buddhists are aware of the existence of beings in other planes of existence.  Some of these beings have special powers over worldly affairs and they may "intervene" in the conduct of our worldly affairs, for some reasons or the other.  For lack of a better term, we may say they are like our "guardian angels".  

As for miracles performed by Jesus, I think it will be more appropriate if you ask the Christians.  

Smile from justinchoo :-)