As a scholar in the field of religious studies, I have spent considerable time examining the nature of various religious beliefs and practices, including Buddhism. The question of whether Buddhism is polytheistic or monotheistic is a complex one, as it touches upon the fundamental understanding of the religion's core principles and its approach to the concept of divinity.

Buddhism, as founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is often described as non-theistic. This is because it does not posit a belief in a creator god or a supreme deity who governs the universe. Instead, Buddhism is centered around the teachings of the Buddha, known as the Dharma, which provides a path to enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, known as Samsara.

The Buddha himself discouraged the worship of deities, focusing instead on personal ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom as the means to achieve spiritual awakening. This does not mean that Buddhists do not believe in the existence of deities or supernatural beings. In fact, Buddhist cosmology includes various celestial beings and deities that are part of the wider universe. However, these beings are not seen as objects of worship but rather as part of the natural order of existence, subject to the same laws of cause and effect as all other beings.

The concept of morality in Buddhism is indeed naturalistic. It is based on the understanding of the laws of karma, where actions have consequences, and the cultivation of qualities such as compassion, generosity, and mindfulness. This ethical framework is not derived from the commandments of a supreme being but arises from the recognition of the interconnectedness of all things and the desire to alleviate suffering.

While the early Buddhist texts may reference deities from the Vedas, a collection of ancient religious texts from Hinduism, these references serve to illustrate that even these powerful beings are not free from the cycle of Samsara and are therefore not worthy of ultimate reverence. Instead, the Buddha's teachings offer a way to transcend the influence of these deities through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path.

In conclusion, Buddhism is best understood as a non-theistic religion that emphasizes personal development and ethical living over the worship of deities. It provides a comprehensive system of spiritual practice aimed at understanding the nature of reality and achieving a state of ultimate peace and liberation.

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No gods are worshipped in Buddhism, that's why it's non-theistic. It does make reference to the Henotheistic deities of the Vedas, but they are mentioned exactly as not worthy of being worshipped. Buddhist morality is essentially a naturalistic one, it's not based on any concept of a supreme god.read more >>