Buddhism does not focus on worshiping or appeasing some superhuman being whose powers and understanding are forever beyond our reach. Neither is Buddhism idolatry: Buddhists do not worship arcane symbols, statues, or a group of deities. It is true that Buddhists believe in an ultimate reality, sometimes called the Buddha-nature, that enables us to attain awakening, but this should not be confused with the historical person called the Buddha. The historical Buddha is revered as the one who taught the Way, but he does not transcend our ability to emulate him. Likewise, the Buddha-nature is not a person to worship, but is the fertile ground from which we can bring out our own Buddha-like qualities by practicing the Buddha’s teachings.