Why the Buddha's Explanation of Earthquakes Doesn't Hold Up (Part 2)

In Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha presents Eight Causes of Earthquakes, claiming that earthquakes are caused by natural phenomena, as well as by significant spiritual events in his life, such as his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. However, when we look at these teachings through the lens of modern science, it’s clear that they are not accurate. Today, we know that earthquakes occur because of tectonic plate movements and volcanic activity. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that there are around 500,000 earthquakes every year. Most of these are small and go unnoticed, but even the larger earthquakes happen far more frequently than rare spiritual milestones like the birth of a Buddha. WHY THE BUDDHA’S RARE BIRTH AND THE FREQUENCY OF EARTHQUAKES DON’T ALIGN: The Buddha described the birth of a Tathāgata (an enlightened Buddha) as an incredibly rare event, likening it to a blind turtle surfacing through a hole in a yoke floating on the ocean. Given the 500,000 earthquakes that occur annually, it’s illogical to believe that such frequent natural events could be caused by the birth or death of a Buddha, which are supposed to happen once in a vast stretch of time. It’s clear that earthquakes, which occur constantly and unpredictably, cannot be tied to something as rare as the Buddha’s life events. This is a fundamental contradiction between the Buddha’s teachings and the scientific reality of how earthquakes work. THE EIGHT CAUSES OF EARTHQUAKES ACCORDING TO THE BUDDHA: 1. Atmospheric disturbances agitating the liquid element upon which the earth is established. (This cause was addressed in a previous blog.) 2. The mental power of a holy ascetic, deity, or individual mastering elements, causing the earth to tremble. 3. The descent of the Bodhisatta (future Buddha) from the Tusita realm into his mother’s womb. 4. The birth of the Bodhisatta, as he enters the world. 5. The full enlightenment of the Tathāgata (Buddha), realizing supreme wisdom. 6. The setting in motion of the Wheel of Dhamma by the Buddha. 7. The renunciation of the will to live on by the Buddha. 8. The passing away into Nirvana of the Buddha, in which no element of clinging remains. These teachings are part of Buddhist cosmology, but as we’ve discussed, they do not reflect the scientific reality of earthquakes. WHY THIS TEACHING DOESN'T HOLD UP: It’s crucial to recognize that this particular teaching about earthquakes is incorrect. Earthquakes are not the result of spiritual events or the actions of deities, as suggested by the Buddha. They are a natural, geological phenomenon that happens because of movements in the Earth's crust. This teaching should not be accepted without scrutiny, especially when it conflicts with well-established scientific facts. Buddhist teachings have much to offer in terms of moral guidance, compassion, and wisdom. However, when it comes to claims like the causes of earthquakes, it’s essential to approach them critically and question their accuracy. The idea that rare spiritual events cause frequent natural disasters does not hold up under scientific investigation, and this teaching should be recognized as flawed.