Deities and Faith
Why do people give different explanations even when all are discussing deities?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
First clarify whether both sides mean the same thing by ‘deity.’ The same word does not guarantee the same understanding. Different ideas of deities can lead to very different answers about ability, virtue and practice.
For example, some people mean beings who have cultivated themselves and possess corresponding virtues. Others call all spirits more powerful than humans deities. Without distinguishing this at the outset, people appear to discuss the same subject but actually begin from different premises, making clarity difficult.
When discussing deities and Buddhas, I understand them in terms of energy while also considering their virtues and deeds and what deserves admiration and learning. So in discussing faith, first understand how the other person defines and recognises them, then continue. Even identical terms need their meanings clarified so we know what each person is talking about.