Buddhism and deities

[naturegirlliz]

Does anyone here have a professional, academic, or at least a solid understanding of the historical roots of buddhas? I understand that the meditation aspect is reflective and introspective, but that there is also a worship aspect based on deism. I also understand that this imagery is based on Hindu deities, and that Islam resolves this mythology with its own mythology of the djin or jinn. Aside from correcting any misunderstanding (which obviously would catapult my logic in the wrong direction), I am also wondering if, as the philosophical aspect of Buddhism deals with the transformation of negative personal energies into positive, if the deity aspect, based on beings with a dualistic (negative and positive) nature, may not be describing binding rituals normally ascribed to the occult faiths?

[sagacioustzu (deleted)]

That is such a complex question. There are so many schools of thought and so many various orders with their own individual understanding. Here is an article that anyone with this question may find useful.

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