Buddhist deities are divine figures that represent various aspects of enlightenment and compassion within the Buddhist tradition. They are often depicted in art and sculpture, serving as symbols to inspire practitioners on their spiritual journey. Some well-known deities include Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and Manjushri, the embodiment of wisdom. These deities can vary significantly across different cultures and schools of Buddhism, such as Mahayana and Vajrayana. While they are revered, it is important to note that in Buddhism, the ultimate goal is to attain enlightenment rather than worshipping deities as gods.