Vedanta - Discussion Forum I (introductory))

[gangajal]

<!--QuoteBegin-Sunder+Nov 2 2004, 04:25 AM-->QUOTE(Sunder @ Nov 2 2004, 04:25 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin--> Rajesh ji, I have to make a distinction here between Incarnation and Avatara. Incarnation is the fusion between inert matter and Consciousness (Kshetra-Kshetri Samyoga.) All life forms are incarnations (i.e. "Carn" means flesh, e.g. Carnal Knowledge.)

Avatara, means "to come down" Ava-Tarathi. I think I had mentioned this before, and am repeating myself here.. An Avatara is a dual purpose. I.e. The Universal Consciousness manifests itself to restore Harmony and Order when Chaos prevails. An Avatara is offensive (Dushta Sikshanam), and defensive (Sishta Rakshanam) in nature. Protecting what is already harmonious, and eliminating what is harmful to Harmony.



Did you know that Sri-Rama is not a full avatara? Krishna alone is Purna avatara (while all else is only Amsa-avatara or Partial avataras.) Rama's Avatara-transfer happened when Parashurama passes the Narayana-bow to Rama (at his wedding), and it ends with Ravana Vadham.
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The word Incarnation is used in the sense of perfect manifestation of the Divine. In that sense Incarnation is the same as Avatar. We are imperfect manifestations and hence not Incarnations.

I am puzzled by the claim that Rama or Kapila or Buddha are not full Avatars. How can we know that? Why must an Avatara always have to do both offensive and defensive things? It would seem to me more natural to expect that every Avatara would face a unique situation.