[gopsbousperie]

Interesting quote. In the meditation temple I attend in NY state, various dieties are prayed to for protection, guidance and compassion. I see these vows and prayers not to be taken literally and passively as would be the stance that Ajahn Chah criticizes.

The whole atmosphere, statues, symbols and such within the Buddhist religion are often used to inspire and motivate our own internal spiritual longings. I agree with Ajahn Chah's assertion that self reliance is tantamount to a good and holy life. Yet I find the various dieties within Buddhism and Hinduism and even Paganism to be beneficial for the collective imagination and reveal mysteries of mythological symbolism.

Yet as far as "God" or any of the Abrahamic religions are concerned, I see them as overtly patriarchal propaganda tools constructed by mankind and abused for centuries against mankind. A few of the saints such as Francis of Assisi are inspirational as historical heroes in their own right, but they can only point the way to liberation.

No god, diety, or even Buddha Shakyamuni himself can do the work for you or make you enlightened or answer your prayers directly. So all that gods and dieties can really do is reflect your own states of heart and mind.