Avatar

This is an article based on the book Our Home Called Earth, From Creation to evolution. In this article we try to clarify the concept of Avatar widely used in this western part of the world.

First, Avatar is a Hinduism concept that means “descent or the incarnation of a deity in human or animal form to counteract some particular evil in the world. The term usually refers to the 10 appearances of Vishnu, the holder and maintainer of the creation.

In most spiritual traditions, the concept of Avatar is mentioned in different ways.  In Hinduism it is said that the new Avatar that will come as a manifestation of Vishnu is called Kalki Avatar, in Buddhism it is called Maitreya Buddha and in Christianity, the second coming of Christ.The Birth of the Trinity

According to the Puranas (ancient Hindu texts), the universe was a vast, empty ocean. Lord Vishnu emerged, resting on the serpent Shesha in deep meditation. A divine lotus bloomed from Vishnu's navel, and inside it sat Lord Brahma. Confused about his existence, Brahma asked Vishnu where he came from. Vishnu explained that he created Brahma and tasked him with creating the universe. Brahma refused to believe this, and a battle for supremacy broke out between them.

But, who is Vishnu?

Avatar means “the one who descent”.

Avatar is a descent of a type of energy or consciousness of Vishnu, the second quality of the Divine after the emanation and manifestation of a Universe. Thus, after the Universe is emanated by the first quality, Brahma, the second quality or Vishnu, who maintain and preserve the Universe is manifested to at the end of the cycle of manifestation switch to the quality of Shiva to destroy or transform so the cosmic matter rest until a new manifestation, all driven by karma.There are three different types of Avatars:-When the Avatar or consciousness is capable of densifying or forming artificially a physical body and appears in the planet.

-When the Avatar consciousness descend over a person (possession). In the ancient christian schools (Arians) is said that “The Christ descended and blend with Jesus personality in his baptism”.  

-When the Avatar is born on a woman like Jesus, Rama, Krishna, Buddha.Here’s a brief overview of the ten avatars:

1. Matsya Avatar: The first avatar, where Vishnu took the form of a fish to save Manu and the Vedas from a great deluge.

2. Kurma Avatar: Vishnu took the form of a tortoise to support Mount Mandara on his back during the churning of the ocean, which led to the emergence of Amrita (nectar).

3. Varaha Avatar: In this avatar, Vishnu took the form of a boar to rescue Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha and lifted it out of the ocean.

4. Narasimha Avatar: Vishnu incarnated as a half-man, half-lion to protect his devotee Prahlad and kill the demon king Hiranyakashipu.

5. Vamana Avatar: In this avatar, Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin and tricked the demon king Bali to regain the three worlds.

6. Parashurama Avatar: Vishnu incarnated as a Brahmin warrior to protect the Brahmins and dharma by destroying the tyrannical Kshatriyas.

7. Rama Avatar: In this avatar, Vishnu was born as Rama to defeat the demon king Ravana and establish the ideals of dharma and virtue.

8. Krishna Avatar: Vishnu incarnated as Krishna, playing a key role in the Mahabharata war and delivering the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

9. Buddha Avatar: Vishnu incarnated as Gautama Buddha, preaching non-violence, compassion, and the path of truth.

10. Kalki Avatar: This avatar is yet to occur in the future. Vishnu will incarnate as a warrior named Kalki to end unrighteousness and restore dharma.

These avatars of Lord Vishnu inspire us to follow the path of righteousness, truth, justice, and compassion. May we all be blessed by Lord Vishnu to lead virtuous lives. 

Jai Shri Vishnu!