Avatara

“As stated in Bhagavad-gita (4.8), the Lord descends as an incarnation to deliver the devotees and kill the miscreants. The Lord of the universe and of everything would appear in order to kill the sons of Diti because of their offending the devotees of the Lord. There are many agents of the Lord, such as Indra, Candra, Varuna, goddess Durga, and Kali, who can chastise any formidable miscreants in the world. The example of mountains being smashed by a thunderbolt is very appropriate. The mountain is considered the most strongly built body within the universe, yet it can be easily smashed by the arrangement of the Supreme Lord. The Supreme Personality of Godhead does not need to descend in order to kill any strongly built body; He comes down just for the sake of His devotees.” (SB 3.14.41)

Throughout history we find a perpetual struggle between good and evil. To remedy the situation, reinstate peace and create spiritual resurgence, various incarnations of the Lord appear. Incarnations are therefore known as avataras, which literally means ‘to cross downwards.’

Different religions offer their own accounts of the divine descents, directing us towards surrender to God under different names - Jahweh, Allah, Jesus, and so on. This can be problematic, especially when the followers of one tradition condemn others as infidels, heathens or heretics, and thus create conflict, division and animosity. Furthermore, on a theological level it can also be confusing, since a seeker will naturally wonder, “If there is one God, why should He reveal Himself in different ways and give seemingly different instructions?”

Exclusivists maintain a sectarian approach which grants them the sole franchise on God. “My way is the only way” they boldly declare. On the other extreme we encounter pluralists, who (often sentimentally) propose that all forms of spirituality and God-worship are identical. Both positions run into serious philosophical problems.

The Bhagavad-gita explains that God appears in a variety of identities and forms. On each occasion, He offers a means of spiritual elevation which may vary in culture, ritual and expression, but in essence remains unchanged. We could call it unity in diversity. Each time God or His representatives come, they disseminate a certain amount of spiritual wisdom, proportionate to the purity and readiness of the people. This inclusive approach appreciates that there are a variety of ways to come closer to God, each path having its own level of evolution. []