Question: “Can I be a Buddhist without thinking of divine bodhisatvas and buddhas but still believing in reincarnation? Namaste.”
I’m not sure I quite understand your question. You want to be Buddhist without believing in Buddhas or Bodhisattvas? Defeats the purpose of calling yourself a Buddhist, doesn’t it?
This is where a college level World Religions class comes in handy, it did for me back in the day! Firstly, don’t call yourself a Buddhist. I don’t think anyone should. I don’t. Spiritual beliefs are personal, so why does it need a title? Secondly, almost every religion believes in some way, shape, or form a kind of “reincarnation,” whether it is rebirth, an afterlife, a spirit, a hell or heaven, something – so that’s not strictly a “Buddhist” belief.
At my temple we have more non-Buddhists visit us than Buddhists. These people are devouts of their own religion, but have found some teachings of Buddhism like compassion, loving-kindness, non-discrimination, and meditation helpful to make them better practitioners of their religion. Which is EXACTLY the point.
Buddhism is extremely comprehensive and complex, and one of the most detailed and complex philosophies of any religion. In any other major religion they have one or maybe a handful of holy religious texts, in Buddhism we have THOUSANDS! The heart sutra alone, or the collection of Prajnaparamita, is six thousand volumes!
The main “character” of Buddhism is the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. He is our Teacher and founder of our practice. He is not worshiped as many believe. He is revered by the followers of His teaching because he gave us the steps and guides to free ourselves from suffering. So he is a main figure for honor, respect, and mindful reminder of the Teachings. Bodhisattvas are like administrators. They are there to help us. Some famous bodhisattvas like Avalokiteshvara Manjushri, and Samantabhadra are in some schools of Buddhism the second main characters and are also in lesser way worshiped for their help.
Like practitioners of Theravada, you don’t have to “believe” in or worship any bodhisattva. They may be means of giving you a little boost in helping you towards liberation or other problems, but it’s not a must.
Anyway, like the people of other religions that come to Buddhism, you might want to follow their track. Avoid or don’t take part in the heavy philosophical and religious part of Buddhism, instead, practice the basics of compassion, loving-kindness, appreciative joy, equanimity, and meditation for a happier, more peaceful life.
Smile and be well!