Hi, sorry but I will reply some people here since the Moderator of the Eternal Hope forum closed the topic after the topic started by James was seen as inappropriate.
Originally posted by happyharvest:
So does "Monkey God", "Shango", "Goddness of Mercy", "Guan kong" really exist in Buddhist view? I understand Buddhists do not believe in a God but do you all believe in gods (though you all dun worship them) like those as I stated?
Monkey God, Shango, I don't think is part of Buddhism. Probably some kind of spirit-deity, but has nothing to do with Buddhism.
Guan Gong is a worldly dharma protector, not an enlightened one. Nevertheless we do pay respect to him.
Goddess of Mercy is not a Goddess, but rather, a Bodhisattva [Pu Sa] (on the path to Buddhahood). His name is Guan Yin or Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in Sanskrit. He is a role model for Mahayana Buddhists with aspirations to attain Buddhahood, each Great Bodhisattva symbolises something, in this case, Guan Yin symbolises Great Compassion. We pay reverence to Bodhisattvas and Buddhas as great teachers but generally do not worship them.
Gods in Buddhism are Samsaric/worldly figures, meaning they have not attained Enlightenment and might not necessarily be on the path towards liberation. They still undergo samsaric rebirths. Buddha was known as 'The Teacher of Gods and Men'.
More info:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/bps/wheels/wheel414.htmlContents
* I. Introduction
* II. The Buddha Teaches Deities
* III. Devas and Brahmas Honor the Buddha
* IV. The Role of Devas in the Buddha's Career
* V. Liberation for Humans, Devas, and Brahmas
* Notes
* Abbreviations
* Bibliography
Originally posted by happyharvest:
I a bit confuse. Why did you use the word superstitiously ? Do you all really view them as deities or juz paying reverence because they traditionally teach good things? Do you all recognise them as gods?
Actually to be precise we do not worship them in anyway.
'Superstitious' in Buddhist view here probably meant worshipping them out of fear, or for a worldly favours/to ask for plenty of money/to change luck/etc etc... or seeking divination and other stuff from them.