Buddhist Deities really Deities?

[Redchic12]

Totally agree with Podshell.

[saurab]

Originally Posted by Podshell

"Then, in the beginning of Kali-yuga, the Lord will appear as Lord Buddha, the son of Añjanā, in the province of Gayā, just for the purpose of deluding those who are envious of the faithful theist."

The above misinformation was first spread by the followers of Vishnu who were so envious of the great teachings of the Buddha (which teachings were greater than Krishna's teachings) that they wanted to include him as an avatara of Vishnu. But Buddha being an avatara of Vishnu is absolutely wrong.

[Joe Mc]

Originally Posted by Maisy

It's funny to think of deities in religions and how similar they are to the idea of super hero's in comics and movies. Sadly humans can't do a lot of stuff and get old and die. Or not really die, move on to life out of the body. As a kid, I liked to think about cool things when I went to bed at night. One fantasy I loved to think about was finding a magic ring that allowed me to do anything. Like ask any question and get an answer.

Sorry had to shorten your post. When you do find this magic ring, I will be first on a long list for a loan of it It's going to be a long list ! What fascinates me about your post and thanks for bringing it up is it seems, a need in human beings to ritualise and extemporise the qualities of super hero etc. To bring them to life externally in the form of religion etc. etc. Isn't that very fascinating, I've been thinking it is for along time ? Or maybe it's just me ! Maybe it could be said that we use the outside to look for the wish fulfilling Gem inside of us when it is the inner human being that also informs the outer. As is said in Buddhism ...Form is only emptiness Emptiness only Form...Form is no other than emptiness emptiness no other than form... or to quote the Lord of the Rings, “One ring to rule them all. One ring to find them. One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them!”.

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[Catsquotl]

How do we define a deity?

As humans we can do everything. No need for super heroes. It may not look exactly how we imagined, but airplanes, bulldozers and Google come pretty close to flying, super strength and a magical answering ring.

And that's aside from those who claim to levitate, be clair knowing /seeing/voyant etc.

So what is different (or the same) in deities? from any religion and buddhism in particular?

[Altair]

Originally Posted by Catsquotl

As humans we can do everything. No need for super heroes. It may not look exactly how we imagined, but airplanes, bulldozers and Google come pretty close to flying, super strength and a magical answering ring.

That's why in any decent fictional story the magic can always be explained rationally.

[Altair]

Originally Posted by Catsquotl

So what is different (or the same) in deities? from any religion and buddhism in particular?

Basically, just superhumans from our point of view really. Just more advanced.

[HITESH SHAH]

Originally Posted by Catsquotl

How do we define a deity?

So what is different (or the same) in deities? from any religion and buddhism in particular?

Roughly your logic and rationale are correct . Deity in Sanskrit is 'Deva' and 'Deva' comes from dhatu (gramatical word ) 'Dyu' . If u look for its meaning (https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dyu ) , we can make out out , Devas are people of light , fire worshipers ,cheerfulness , enthusiasm , playfulness , sportsmanship , fighting spirit , knowledge seekers and discipline . So as someone made out 'Devas' are people of special abilities and achievement who accomplish such characteristics in life . The key ingredient of 'Deva' or 'Deity' is that he/she actively pursues fair dealings in life in all spheres of life and that separates them from normal people with material achievements.

You can equate Deities to modern day benevolent charitable billionaires , fair /just/honest/powerful politicians , hard working and knowledge sharing scientists (like Alexander fleming) , noble souls . Of course this is at plain gross level . Real view can be far more intricate and detailed . There can be lot of chance of getting deceived with superficial appearances . In case of such camouflaged deceits , the functional characteristics will get lost . So ideally we should focus on functional characteristics before we try to make any judgement on anybody .

[jonesboy]

Originally Posted by Catsquotl

How do we define a deity?
So what is different (or the same) in deities? from any religion and buddhism in particular?

A Deity is a Buddha. A realized being.

Here is a link to a few different Deities.

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_fbodi.htm

Here is a great link explaining the practice of yidam deities.

https://www.spiritualforums.com/vb/s...6&postcount=13

[Podshell]

Originally Posted by saurab

The above misinformation was first spread by the followers of Vishnu who were so envious of the great teachings of the Buddha (which teachings were greater than Krishna's teachings) that they wanted to include him as an avatara of Vishnu. But Buddha being an avatara of Vishnu is absolutely wrong.

..and yet in temples and houses worldwide(including my own)we have buddhist statue deities many offer foodstuff and flowers to,to me this is a physical manifestation,a confirmation that far outweighs any argument that what Prabhupada states is 100% true.(your post just seems like wishful thinking,but sows discord where there needn't be)