Expert: Justin Choo - 1/3/2005

Question
During this period of sad mourning for the millions of victims caused by the devastating tsunami across south-east asia, India, Sri Lanka and the neighbouring countries, all of us share similar grief for this terrible suffering. However, different religions have somewhat different explanations and reactions which sometimes are even contradictory to one another, and even within the same religion. What is the BHuddist opinion regarding this?

Answer
Hi Cheng,

Thank you for asking me.

The Buddha revealed that there were 5 Cosmic Orders or Laws that influenced and governed this world.  They are:
1. The physical or inorganic order, such as temperature, seasons, wind, snow, rain and other physical events.
2. The organic or germinal order, such as plant life and other living beings.
3. The kamma order, the natural order of cause and effect.
4. The mind order, the consciousness factor existing in living beings.
5. The natural phenomena order, such as gravity, creation and destruction, and impermanance.

All events in this world are caused by any one or combination of any of these 5 Cosmic Laws. The recent tsunami disaster can be attributed to the laws of the inorganic order, the natural phenomena order, and the law of kamma.  No one is responsible for this natural disaster, although many would attribute this as "act of God".  As Buddhists, we simply regard this as a natural disaster.

Your question at this point in time can be regarded as a very sensitive question, because so many thousands have died, and millions are suffering.  It may be better not to comment on others' beliefs.  What I have commented is the Buddhist perspective.  What others would want to comment and believe in other ways is up to them.  As Buddhsits, we can agree to disagree.

Smile from justinchoo :-)