What Would Buddhas and Bodhisattvas Do When They Encounter Disasters?

When King Virūḍhaka led his army to exterminate the Śākya clan, what did the Buddha do?

During this time when we Buddhist practitioners face the disaster of viral infection, although we do not treat patients or kill the virus like medical workers, we are still making our due contribution to the nation and, to some extent, delivering sentient beings by employing the unique Buddhist methods of saving beings. For instance, through dedicating the merits of reciting sutras, chanting the Buddha's name, and studying the Dharma, we promote the swift end of the pandemic. The extent of this contribution is not convenient to specify at present, but it can be said that the effect of this dedication is not small.

Given that the merits of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are immeasurable, isn't it true that when encountering natural or man-made disasters, they possess countless skillful means to resolve the suffering of sentient beings? They can resolve all calamities without resorting to killing or creating negative karmic ties with beings.

When sentient beings lack sufficient merits and wisdom, they can only conceive of resolving disasters through killing and confrontation, unable to envision better solutions. With ample merits and wisdom, a single thought can dissolve a disaster. Therefore, whenever disasters strike, sentient beings naturally think of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, for they possess vast and profound wisdom and can effortlessly resolve such problems.

Thus, everyone must still strive diligently in cultivation. Cultivation is the fundamental solution; without it, one can never avoid creating unwholesome karma and subsequently suffering its retribution.