Page "Idolatry" Paragraph 29

Buddhism has been said to be idolatrous in nature by some adherents of Abrahamic faiths.

According to them, the Buddhist view of god is there are many gods or no god.

Most Buddhists do acknowledge the existence of gods in Hindu pantheon.

Existence in the god-realms ( devaloka ) is considered undesirable.

Buddhists may offer veneration to bodhisattvas.

There are many gods in folk Buddhism whose idols and statues are worshipped.

This is due to degradation and syncretic confusion.

Taoism has suffered a similar fate, and in practice, both religions " on the ground " can resemble crude superstition.

It can be said that it has integrated with Chinese Folk Religion and many gods from that religion are considered bodhisattvas, or enlightened beings who choose to remain among beings to relieve their suffering.

See also Shinbutsu shūgō.