Do you know what an Avatar is? And from what religions this concept somes from?

Question

Cause it seems a lot of us have these cute cartoonish personifications of ourslves but I am skeptical that many of us actually know what the terms means...Please state the origin of the word and provide some examples from different faiths (where the term may apply) of what consitutes an avatar...

Thank you immensely for the links to wikipedia..two is enough.. I have a good idea what it means, that is I am familiar with the definition but why I am asking is that I am curious if people of different faiths (non hindus) a would use this term to describe any of their prophets or just the big ones... i.e. are mohammed, jesus, Buddha, Haile Salassie, kim Jong il, the Dalai lama etc considered by practicants of those religions to be avatars...? Are they comfortable 'borrowing' that concept from Hinduism or is that how they see their prophet themselves as well ....

Answer 1

Avatar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In Hindu philosophy, an avatar, avatara or avataram (Sanskrit: अवतार, IAST: avatāra), most commonly refers to the incarnation (bodily manifestation) of a higher being (deva), or the Supreme Being (God) onto planet Earth. The Sanskrit word avatāra- literally means "descent" (avatarati) and usually implies a deliberate descent into lower realms of existence for special purposes. The term is used primarily in Hinduism, for incarnations of Vishnu whom many Hindus worship as God.

The word has also been used by extension to refer to the incarnations of God in other religions, especially by adherents to dharmic traditions when explaining figures such as Jesus.
END QUOTE

EDIT: Ah, okay. I am a Christian and NO, I would never refer to Jesus Christ as an 'avatar,' in fact I would consider that blasphemy.

Answer 2

In Hindu philosophy, an avatar most commonly refers to the incarnation (bodily manifestation) of a higher being (deva), or the Supreme Being (God) onto planet Earth. The Sanskrit word avatāra- literally means "descent" (avatarati) and usually implies a deliberate descent into lower realms of existence for special purposes. The term is used primarily in Hinduism, for incarnations of Vishnu whom many Hindus worship as God.

The word has also been used by extension to refer to the incarnations of God in other religions, especially by adherents to dharmic traditions when explaining figures such as Jesus.

Answer 3

It sounds like you already know the answer, so why are you asking in the first place? That's just one of many terms in current usage of which people don't know the origin.

Answer 4

We are avatars ourselves for our higher selves to use to operate in this world. Think about it.

Answer 5

not an answer to your question, but I seem unable to contact you (in relation to an answer you made to my question). Click on my name and click e-mail to contact me.