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Classical Avatars of India

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Incarnation in Hinduism and Christianity

Part of the book series: Library of Philosophy and Religion ((LPR))

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Abstract

In ancient India, religious man dwelt in a cosmos vibrantly energized by gods close-by. It was generally acknowledged that there was an overall struggle being waged between the gods and the demons, and good and evil were evenly balanced. At certain times the balance was destroyed and evil gained the upper hand. This situation was deemed unfair, and at such times the God Vishnu intervened by descending to earth in the form of a manifestation of himself known as an Avatar.

The way in which a reality came into existence is revealed by its myth.1

(Mircea Eliade)

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Notes

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gardner A. Sage Library, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

    Daniel E. Bassuk (Theological Librarian)

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  1. Daniel E. Bassuk
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© 1987 Daniel E. Bassuk

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Bassuk, D.E. (1987). Classical Avatars of India. In: Incarnation in Hinduism and Christianity. Library of Philosophy and Religion. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-08642-9_2

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