Avatars

Avatars

The Bhagavad Gita [song of God] declares, in clear and ringing tones, “Whenever there is decline of dharma [right conduct], and the rise of adharma [unrighteous behavior], I shall embody Myself. For the protection of dharma, and for the destruction of adharma, I shall appear in every age.” The Lord manifests Himself in human form solely for the above divine purpose. What the Gita has stated is eternally true, and holds good for all ages, including the present Kali Yuga [Iron age] as well.

A revealing point to be noted in this connection is that the avatars [incarnations] of God, as well as maha purushas or mahatmas [holy men], commonly manifest themselves in the sacred land of Bharat [India]. The reason, as Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Himself has stated, is that Bharat is the punya bhoomi [land of merit], the karma bhoomi [land of destiny], and the tapo bhoomi [land of asceticism, penance]. It is in fact the pulsating heart of the world, and the growth of divinity in man has to be traced to the roots of spirituality nurtured in the soil of Bharat, by the divine rishis [sages] of old.

Our blessed land has seen many avatars and maha purushas through the ages. Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, the compassionate Buddha, Shankara, Lord Gauranga, Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Shirdi Baba and now Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, are some of the names that flash through our mind, as we peep down the vista of time.

What is the common factor, or link between God, the avatar purusha [creator], the mahatamas, and man? It is the fact that the jivatman [divine spark] that we find in man is nothing but an infinitesimal spark of the effulgent paramatman [supreme absolute]. God is the boundless ocean of satchidananda [being-awareness-bliss] and each of us represents a minute drop of spray that is tossed into the air by the restless waves, glistens for a second in the sunlight, and falls back into the ocean again.

What then is an avatar purusha? To extend the analogy further, we can compare the avatar to a towering and majestic iceberg. The waters of the ocean are fluid, and have no concrete form. The avatar, on the other hand, is like a colossal iceberg, a pure and dazzling crystalline mass of solids, while the jivatman is an infinitesimal droplet. And what brings the iceberg into existence? It is the freezing cold. The phenomenon of the birth of an avatar is brought about by the congealing power of the love and earnest longing welling out of the hearts of great siddha purushas [mystics], maha yogis [great yogis], and the pure at heart.

What are the outstanding traits that distinguish an avatar from the rest of mankind? There are many, like the innumerable facets of a gleaming gem, but we with our limited knowledge, can only think of a few.

One cardinal fact that we have to remember is that the avatar purusha is not compelled by karma [consequences of one’s actions] to take birth in the world, but comes down of his own volition. We, the jivatmas, are caked and heavily laden with the dirt of our acquired karma, which forces us to return again and again to the world. But the avatar is like a gem whose brilliance is visible at all times and places, because of its spotless, heavenly purity. Its effulgence is intense and overpowering. To a jivatma heavily enshrouded by the dark veil of tamas [inertia], the luminosity may appear to be radiated by a piece of worthless glass, but to a yogi, the gem is priceless.

The avatar is like a magnet. If a piece of lead is placed next to a powerful magnet, the lead will lie there inert, totally unaware of the invisible pull of the magnet. But if we should pass the magnet over a heap of steel needles, they will come to life, and jump up, irresistibly drawn toward the magnet. The pure in heart are like the needles; by their own nature and composi­tion, they are drawn toward the avatar, the living embo­diment of the divine.

The avatar is a living example of truth. Where noble thoughts, words, and deeds coincide, there is truth. It is only when the vision of the archer, the shaft of the arrow, and the distant target are all aligned, that the winged arrow will go and hit the center of the target. The avatar is the infallible divine marksman and his target is truth.

The avatar is always a perfect embodiment of dharma. When we think of dharma, we conjure up the vision of Sri Rama in our minds. A perfect son for whomthe promise given by his father to Kaikeyi in a moment of weakness weighed more than a great kingdom and all the comforts that great riches could confer. Though a devoted husband, Sri Rama was prepared to send his chaste wife to the forest rather than bear a slur cast by a lowly washer-man. He held dharma and honor above personal considerations.

Then again, think of the dharma preached to Arjuna by Sri Krishna on the field of Kuru­kshetra [battlefield in the epic, Mahabharata]—how to live, and if need be, to die like a true kshatriya [warrior], in the protection of dharma, and the destruction of adharma. Dharma has to be honored, even though the ties of kith and kin are sacrificed. Every act and duty has to be performed as a sacrifice unto the lord, with no desire for the fruits of the action, and with perfect dependence upon the lord.

The avatar is also an embodiment of shanti [peace]. For example, though the Buddha was brought up in a regal atmosphere away from the sight of all misery, unhappiness, and death his heart yearned for something that the sensory world could not give. His overpowering desire for shanti finally broke its bounds, and the great prince turned his face away from his devoted and beautiful wife and his dazzling son to embrace the life of a mendicant. His quest for ultimate reality finally brought him shanti, and showed the path of liberation to the millions who believe in the teachings of the compassionate Buddha.

The avatar is also an embodiment of prema [divine love]; prema of the highest order, prema for the prematman, and prema for the mass of jivatmas, the myriads reflections of the paramatma on the screen of maya [illusion]. Lord Gauranga was a perfect example of prema. His prema for God’s feet was so infectious that during his tour of India, he spread this benign contagion of divine prema through the length and breadth of Bharat. He was able to send human beings into ecstasies of divine love by his mere touch.

Thus an avatar is the perfect embodiment of the four cardinal virtues of satya, dharma, shanti, and prema. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai is the repository of all the four virtues. It is difficult for anyone to say which particular trait appears more prominent in Him. Due to the limitations of our senses, we are unable to comprehend even a fraction of the greatness of the avatar. Even to those who have advanced along the path, only a fraction of His glory has become visible.

To the jnani [self-realized], Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai appears as the blazing effulgence of purity and truth. To the karma yogi, He appears as a vast repository of dharma. To the introspective recluse or hermit, He appears as a veritable refuge of shanti.

But to people like me, Bhagavan appears to be a boundless, iridescent ocean of love, prema sagara. I humbly pray, that I may swim a long, long way out into this prema sagara, so that it may never be necessary for me to return from there to the shore of prakriti [nature] again. Salutations at the feet of Bhagavan [Baba].

~K. P. Mukunda Prabhu, Mangalore
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Feb. 1968

Avatars

The concept of Avatars occupies a sacred and significant place in Indian spiritual traditions. The word refers to the divine descent of God upon Earth for the protection of righteousness, the upliftment of humanity, and the restoration of moral order whenever it declines. Throughout history, devotees have looked upon these divine manifestations as living examples of love, compassion, wisdom, and selfless service. The stories and teachings associated with Avatars continue to inspire millions of seekers on their spiritual journey and remind humanity that the Divine is never distant from creation.

According to ancient scriptures, whenever evil gains strength and virtue weakens, God assumes a physical form to guide mankind back to the path of truth. These divine appearances are not ordinary births but purposeful manifestations undertaken for the welfare of the world. Through their lives, words, and actions, Avatars demonstrate the highest ideals that human beings can aspire to achieve. Their presence reassures devotees that divine grace is always available to those who seek it with faith and sincerity.

The sacred epics and Puranas describe numerous divine incarnations that have shaped the spiritual heritage of India. Lord Rama exemplified righteousness, duty, and unwavering adherence to truth. Lord Krishna revealed profound spiritual wisdom and taught humanity the path of selfless action and devotion. Each of these divine manifestations carried a unique mission while expressing the same eternal divinity. Their lives continue to be studied and revered because they offer timeless lessons relevant to every generation.

One of the remarkable characteristics of Avatars is their ability to connect with people from all walks of life. They speak the language of love rather than fear and inspire transformation through compassion rather than force. Their teachings transcend barriers of caste, creed, nationality, and religion. Through their examples, humanity learns that the essence of spirituality lies in purity of heart, service to others, and constant remembrance of God.

The study of Avatars reveals that divine incarnations appear in different ages according to the needs of the time. While the external circumstances may vary, their core message remains unchanged. They encourage humanity to cultivate virtues such as truth, peace, love, righteousness, and non-violence. These eternal values form the foundation of a harmonious society and lead individuals toward inner fulfillment. By following these principles, people can experience spiritual growth and contribute positively to the world around them.

The lives of great spiritual masters often demonstrate qualities associated with divine manifestations. Their boundless compassion, miraculous wisdom, and ability to transform lives inspire deep devotion among followers. Many devotees experience profound inner changes through their guidance and develop a stronger connection with the Divine. Such experiences strengthen faith and encourage seekers to live with greater purpose and dedication.

The message of Avatars is particularly relevant in today’s world, where rapid change and material pursuits often create stress and confusion. Divine teachings remind humanity that lasting happiness cannot be found solely in external achievements. True peace arises from inner harmony, selfless service, and spiritual awareness. By turning inward and cultivating noble qualities, individuals can discover a deeper meaning in life and overcome many challenges with courage and faith.

For devotees, remembering the lives and teachings of Avatars is more than a religious practice; it is a source of inspiration and transformation. Their stories encourage individuals to rise above selfish tendencies and embrace a life of compassion, humility, and service. Every act of kindness, every moment of prayer, and every effort to help others becomes a way of expressing devotion to the Divine.

The spiritual wisdom preserved by Devotional India continues to illuminate the significance of divine incarnations for modern seekers. Through sacred narratives, devotional practices, and inspiring teachings, generations have drawn strength from the examples set by these divine beings. The traditions shared by Devotional India help devotees understand the deeper purpose behind divine manifestations and encourage them to apply spiritual values in daily life.

The enduring influence of Avatars can be seen in the countless temples, festivals, devotional songs, and spiritual gatherings dedicated to their remembrance. Their lives continue to inspire faith and hope across the world. Through the guidance offered by Devotional India, seekers are reminded that the Divine is ever-present and accessible to all who approach with sincerity and love. The teachings of Avatars remain a timeless beacon, guiding humanity toward truth, compassion, and spiritual awakening. As emphasized by the ultimate purpose of every divine incarnation is to awaken the divinity that already resides within every human heart.