Sure believe that all you want from the books you've read.
Then go to an actually Buddhism country and experience the worship of Buddha and you'll very quickly change your mind.
What the books say and what the world does are two very different things.
It's the same ritualistic worship as any other religion.
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But probably the best of them all and an amazing "human" experience at that to share with thousands of people.
Been to and stayed in Buddhist countries for years. Actually stayed in Nepal for a while - the birthplace of Buddha.
Fascinating though, how one can visit for a brief time and perhaps watch a few documentaries and assume to know every aspect of something.
As with most things there are perversions to the actual beginning and what something should be. And as with most things, looking hard enough, wading through the perversions, the actual message and teaching and understanding can be gained.
your statement of What the books say and what the world does are two very different things is indeed true though