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Deities
emmieb
UK New
Hi - could someone point me in the direction of how to understand deities please?
I've been reading a lot of buddhism books but mostly western and I had understood there were no Gods etc.
Are these Deities unique to the cultural heritage of buddhism in each country? If so, how does that fit with Western Buddhism?
I am very confused! Is there a link on here discussing it? I couldn't find one I'm afraid so apologies if this is repeating other discussions. Any signposts gratefully received!
Thank you.
0
Comments
Try searching for Yidam
http://opcoa.st/PGQkn
The use of deity possession or rather attribute alignment is just a meditation method ... though people commonly take such things literally.
No gods required in dharma.
... oh and welcome
Buddhism, unlike most religions, does not require that you harbor any deities.
Some people,though, do like to keep a deity or two around the house. Buddhism accommodates, though it's not a centerpoint.
^^. I have a closet full of imaginary deities, lost lamas, enlightened monks and pet demons.
Back! Back in you fantastical fantasies! Phew ... nearly escaped ...
Great - thank you all for welcome and help. I live in a really remote area so grateful for all the help on here
. I am not well practised with forums so please excuse any lack of etiquette! Shall follow up on that link. Thanks for making me laugh too 
@emmieb please don't praise and encourage @lobster. That is one spoiled crustacean.
The simplified answer is that as Buddhism spread to other cultures from India and even within India itself, it didn't replace existing religions and beliefs and incorporated the current Gods and beliefs into its pantheon as Bodhisattvas and guardians and such. Buddhism says there is no Creator God, not that there are no gods. Dependent Origination says even gods have to be created and are subject to the laws of karma. Beyond that, the particular gods in Buddhism depend on the culture you're talking about.
You may find they don't fit in at all with the type of Buddhism you prefer to study. It can get confusing reading too much from too many traditions early on, and then trying to bring it together in some sort of Buddhist amalgam. I am a Tibetan practitioner and there are deities within that culture that stem from it's Bon religious tradition history. There are some who take it literally, but it is (the way my teacher teaches it) more a way to focus on qualities you want to strengthen within yourself. For example, we do Green Tara practice but it is not like praying to God to heal you. Some people use it that way, but that isn't really how I've been taught. It is not really like calling for blessings from some otherworldly being to help us like a personal super hero. But a way to focus ourselves so we can "save" ourselves from things like jealousy, greed, wrong views, etc. There is almost always a mantra associated with the major deities in Tibetan practice and the focus of the mantra and envisioning deities that go along with them is basically a focus technique, similar to how you learn to focus on the breath when you first start to meditate.
OP, I use the concept of deities to focus my intent, as @karasti describes. No, I don't think KuanYin is hovering above me as I meditate, but the concept of KuanYin's Loving Kindness and Compassion is something I can apply to my everyday life, so I try to do so. Keeping images of her around is simply a reminder.
I had the light bulb moment - thank you all very much. Much clearer now.
btw welcome to NB @emmieb !
If you become devoted to Kuan Shih Yin Pusa it is an unending journey. Be prepared for that which is not commonly understood or seen. Picture books are ok but you will see so much more. With the unfolding comes great responsibility.