Buddhism: Polytheism

[Peter Vredevold]

What is polytheism?
If you wouldn't mind explaining about it.

 

[LuisDantas]

Polytheism is the belief that two or more deities exist and are worth believing in.

 

[Peter Vredevold]

Ohh Thank you Luis.
Then Polythiesm is more like related to Hinduism rather than in Buddhism.
Don't you think?

 

[crossfire]

Polytheism isn't completely incompatible with Buddhism.

It is not really encouraged, either.




The Devas are far more of a Hindu concept than a Buddhist one. Belief in their existence is common in the demographic sense, mainly due to syncretism, and even then almost only in Asia.

For the most part the Devas are used in a very few (albeit influential) schools, mainly as a convenient illustration of certain concepts. Frankly, I would be surprised if I ever learned that belief in their literal existence is a common trait among Dharma teachers.

Have you read about Buddha's and Sakka (the king of the devas) relationship in many of the Pali suttas? Sakka came to Buddha to learn from him, and even cared for Buddha when he was sick.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.21.2x.than.html

 

[LuisDantas]

Ohh Thank you Luis.
Then Polythiesm is more like related to Hinduism rather than in Buddhism.
Don't you think?

I certalnly agree. Although it is not supposed to be a big deal either way, come to think of it.

Hinduism does not particularly settle which or how many deities one is expected to believe, at least generally. I think some Samprayanas (sp?) would bring specific requirements.

And Buddhism... is not very much about deities of any kind. So they make little difference.