What
Buddhists Believe
Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Thera
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Belief in
Deities (Devas)
Buddhists do not deny the existence
of various gods or deities.
Devas
are more fortunate than human beings as far as sensual pleasures are
concerned. They also possess certain powers which human beings usually
lack. However, the powers of these deities are limited because they are
also transitory beings. They exist in happy abodes and enjoy their life
for a longer period than human beings do. When they have exhausted all the
good kamma, that they have gathered during previous birth, these deities
pass away and are reborn somewhere else according to their good and bad
kamma. According to the Buddha, human beings have more opportunities to
accrue merits to be born in a better condition, and the deities have less
chances in this respect.
Buddhist do not attribute
any specific importance to such gods. They do not regard the deities as a
support for the moral development or as a support for the attainment of
salvation of Nibbana. Whether they are great or small, both human beings
and deities are perishable and subject to rebirth.
It is a common
belief amongst the Buddhist public that such deities can be influenced to
grant their favours by transferring merits to them whenever meritorious
deeds are performed. This belief is based on the Buddha's injunction to
the deities to protect those human beings who lead a religious way of
life. This is the reason why Buddhists transfer the merits to such deities
or remember them whenever they do some meritorious deeds. However, making
of offerings to and worshipping such deities are not encouraged, although
some Buddhist customs center around such activities. When people are in
great difficulties, they naturally turn to the deities to express their
grievances in a place of worship. By doing this, they gain some relief and
consolation; in their hearts, they feel much better. However, to an
intellectual who has strong will power, sound education and understanding,
such beliefs and actions need not be resorted to. There is definitely no
Teaching in Buddhism to the effect that Buddhists can attain Nibbana by
praying to any deity. Buddhists believe that 'purity and impurity depend
on oneself. No one from outside can purify another.' (Dhammapada 165)
Buddhahood and Nibbanacan
be attained without any help from an external source. Therefore, Buddhists
can practise their religion with or without the deities.
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Source: Buddhist
Study and Practice Group, http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhism/
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Layout: Chan Duc - Nguyen Thao
Update : 01-11-2002
