Unveiling the 'Miracles' of the Buddha

by Kooi F. Lim, The Buddhist Channel, 6 Nov 2023

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- Buddhists have long pondered the perceived discrepancy between their faith and evangelical religions, like Christianity, in projecting powerful imageries such as miraculous events. While stories in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly those of Christ healing the blind and the deaf, have captivated many, the realm of miracles within Buddhism often takes a different path — focusing on the wisdom and enlightenment of the Buddha rather than overtly supernatural feats.

Contrary to the conspicuous tales in other religious texts, Buddhism emphasizes the significance of the Buddha's teachings. Nevertheless, scattered throughout Buddhist scriptures are glimpses of remarkable occurrences that point to the Buddha's extraordinary nature.

One notable incident, termed the "Twin Miracles," recounts a moment when the Buddha demonstrated mastery over natural elements. Described in the Pali Canon, these displays were not mere spectacles of power but symbolized his transcendence over ordinary laws of nature.

While not frequently highlighted, stories from the Pali Tipitaka narrate miraculous instances associated with the Buddha. Consider the tragic tale of Patacara, a woman who endured a series of misfortunes but found solace and enlightenment through the Buddha's teachings.

Patacara's life was marred by immense suffering. Losing her husband to a snake bite and later witnessing her children swept away by tragic circumstances, she was driven to madness. It was the encounter with the Buddha that led to her restoration, becoming an arahant - a revered figure in Buddhist tradition.

Similarly, the case of Angulimala, a notorious serial killer whose transformation into an arahant under the guidance of the Buddha serves as another poignant example of the transformative power of the teachings.

Despite Buddhism's emphasis on teachings like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path over miracles, stories like these offer tangible evidence of the Buddha's exceptional nature beyond mere mortal bounds.

In the Dona Sutta, the Buddha identifies himself as an "enlightened human being," stressing his profound understanding of existence and the path to ending suffering. This self-identification highlights the Buddha's role as an awakened being, transcending the ordinary.

In the Poṭṭhapāda Sutta, the Buddha's description of himself as an "arhat, fully self-awakened, teacher of gods and humans" underscores his unique status, not merely mortal but a guide to enlightenment.

These accounts reveal the Buddha's distinction as an enlightened being with unparalleled wisdom. Instead of using overt supernatural powers, he delves into the depths of wisdom to alleviate suffering and guide individuals towards self-realization.

The stories of Patacara, Angulimala, and other 'Buddhist miracles' exemplify the potency of the Dharma, inspiring hope and deepening faith in the teachings of the Buddha. They serve as a testament to the transformative potential of practice and the path to enlightenment, sparking interest in Dharma learning and reaffirming faith in Buddhism.

These tales illuminate the extraordinary within the ordinary, offering a glimpse of the miraculous in everyday existence.

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Note: The above article was produced with the help of NORBU - https://norbu-ai.org. The Buddhist Chatbot has proven to be an indispensable tool for Buddhist research. Please also visit the fundraising page at: https://norbu-ai.org/fundraising. Image of Patacara generated with MidJourney.