I was in China about 5 years ago on a holiday tour type thing and the guide we had there said that there are gods in Buddism - they just don't match the conventional sense of Gods.

The Buddist gods, I think there are 4 of 'em, take the role of protecting the world from evil demons and don't form the centre point of the religion. Plus they do erect idols to Budda and build temples

The basic tenent of Buddism is about following the teachings of Buddha, who said that it was possible to acheive a higher state of being by Meditation and maybe sitting under trees... he never said anything about a god or gods. Now in the great way of churches, it split, and gods got involved (cos people like gods). I sseem to remember something about nine Buddhas (with the last one still to come).

I copied this from www.Buddhanet.net:

• Who Was the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism - called the Dhamma, or Truth - until his death at the age of 80.

• Was the Buddha a God?

He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.

• Do Buddhists Worship Idols?

Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.




It is one of the things Lini is for, taking the blame. She usualy deserves it even if I don't know how.