Buddhism Polytheism or Monotheism
Buddhist culture and society do show indications of what may look like polytheism. In China, if a woman doesn't bear a child after many years of union, notably a son, she may pray into a particular manifestation of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, "Son Giving Avalokitesvara," so that she may become pregnant. I found a Japanese woman in similar conditions might pray to the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbharaja when I visited Japan -- so that he looks to be an infant, portraits and statues show him as bald. Hence Chinese and Japanese pray to various Bodhisattvas for the same goal. Life and people But the sutras show that any Bodhisattva can assist at any issue, all Buddhas have precisely the same wisdom and power. It does not have to be Avalokitesvara, it does not have to be Ksitigarbharaja, any Bodhisattva can help us with a problem. There isn't any need to go to one for a specific issue after which to another for various other issue. This is because of the vows they have made throughout the length of the practice, although these beings may attest features that are distinct. Thus Ksitigarbharaja is famous for his great vow to liberate all sentient beings. Avalokitesvara is known for his great compassion, Manjusri for his great wisdom. But there is no need to choose on a particular Bodhisattva to get a particular difficulty. Consequently Buddhism is just not polytheistic in any way. A professional develops according to method of practice, causes and states, and his karmic roots. He may pray to Manjusri, Avalokitesvara, or Ksitigarbharaja, but it's as a way of practice. He does not regard each Bodhisattvas as a deity that is separate and therefore to them all for maximum benefits -- that would be polytheism. This is completely realized by not everyone. You will find people in the Center who come in and prostrate first then on both sides of the Buddha to the statues of Avalokitesvara and Manjusri. This really is really polytheism. Read more at >>> http://lifeandpeople.com/is-buddhism-monotheistic-or-polytheistic/ Now let's consider Buddha and monotheism. In sentient beings, including all animals, that is called Buddha Nature. In non-sentient beings, this essence is known as Dharma-Nature. In someone that has achieved Buddhahood, Buddha Nature and Dharma Nature evolve into Dharma Body. This Dharma Body exists throughout all sentient beings and non-sentient beings. But only sentient beings may attain Buddhahood. Using the foundation of all beings the same, the whole universe is in unity.
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October 2019
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