user17550: Whenever an unbeliever starts inquiring regarding Buddhism or the Buddha's teaching, do Buddhists see this as providence leading the unbeliever to Buddha's faith or something else? Does Buddhism's notion of providence extend beyond karma?

user8157: Buddhism would say karma or volition (rather than an act of providence) brings people to Buddhism. This said, this kamma/volition is not always wholesome. 
For example, a wholesome kamma bringing an individual to Buddhism is awareness of suffering and wanting to end this suffering. SN 12.23 says suffering is the supporting condition for faith. 
An unwholesome kamma bringing an individual to Buddhism is believing the Buddha is like a god with unconditional love who loves you unconditionally, regardless of your unwholesome nature. In this situation, such an individual starts to believe their own unwholesome belief systems are what the Buddha taught.  

user13375: Buddhists do not believe in a creator God nor in his or her divine providence. Buddhists believe in the law of cause and effect. When someone encounters the Buddhadharma it is because the causes of such a meeting are established and manifest.
There is no notion of divine providence and it is held that the law of karma is sufficient and necessary to explain how people encounter the Buddhadharma. Hope this answers your question.

17550: <p>Whenever an unbeliever starts inquiring regarding Buddhism or the Buddha's teaching, do Buddhists see this as providence leading the unbeliever to Buddha's faith or something else? Does Buddhism's notion of providence extend beyond karma?</p>
 8157: <p>Buddhism would say karma or volition (rather than an act of providence) brings people to Buddhism. This said, this kamma/volition is not always wholesome. </p>

<p>For example, a wholesome kamma bringing an individual to Buddhism is awareness of suffering and wanting to end this suffering. <a href="https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn12/sn12.023.bodh.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">SN 12.23</a> says suffering is the supporting condition for faith. </p>

<p>An unwholesome kamma bringing an individual to Buddhism is believing the Buddha is like a god with unconditional love who loves you unconditionally, regardless of your unwholesome nature. In this situation, such an individual starts to believe their own unwholesome belief systems are what the Buddha taught.  </p>
 13375: <p>Buddhists do not believe in a creator God nor in his or her divine providence. Buddhists believe in the law of cause and effect. When someone encounters the Buddhadharma it is because the causes of such a meeting are established and manifest.</p>

<p>There is no notion of divine providence and it is held that the law of karma is sufficient and necessary to explain how people encounter the Buddhadharma. Hope this answers your question.</p>
