Significance of Incarnation
Synonyms: Embodiment, Representation, Personification, Reincarnation, Appearance
In Dutch: Incarnatie; In Finnish: Inkarnaatio; In Spanish: Encarnación
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Incarnation'
In Buddhism, Incarnation signifies the Buddha's human birth stemming from parental desires, and also denotes the physical manifestation of spiritual entities, illustrating the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A term used to describe rgyal ba yang dgon pa as a physical manifestation of a spiritual entity.[1]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The process by which the Buddha was born as a human through the physical desires of his parents.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Incarnation'
In Hinduism, incarnation, particularly of Vishnu, signifies the divine taking various forms to guide and protect the world, restore dharma, and fulfill cosmic duties, exemplifying the complexity and interplay between material and spiritual realms.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the multiple births taken by beings under the influence of curses.[3] (2) The various forms through which deities manifest in the material world, according to Hindu beliefs.[4] (3) The embodiment of a deity in a physical form, as foretold regarding the goddess Candi.[5] (4) The manifestation of the divine in a material form, as represented by the Lord taking the form of Nrisimha.[6] (5) The embodiment of divine figures in human form, specifically referring to cultural and religious narratives significant in Hinduism.[7]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Various forms or embodiments taken by deities, specifically by Vishnu.[8] (2) The concept of a divine being taking a material form, in this case, Lord Shiva agreeing to become Nandin's son.[9] (3) The manifestation of the divine in various forms for the sake of fulfilling cosmic duties and assisting devotees.[10]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The embodiment of a deity or divine being in a physical form on earth, often to fulfill a specific purpose.[11] (2) Different forms or incarnations taken by deities to interact with the mortal world.[12] (3) Images depicted in the book that the queen sees first, representing different forms taken by divine beings.[13]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The various divine forms taken by deities, illustrating their versatility and the manifestations of their powers.[14] (2) The manifestation of deities like Vishnu in various forms to protect the universe.[15]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the divine forms taken by Lord Vishnu to achieve specific purposes while engaging in sportive activities.[16] (2) Refers to Krishna's assumption of a human form with specific divine purposes, notably the removal of the burden of the earth.[17]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Incarnation refers to the continuous cycle of rebirth and transformation experienced by divine beings and souls.[18]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Refers to the various manifestations of Lord Narayana whenever there is a rise in adharma and decline in dharma.[19]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Different forms or avatars through which Vishnu is believed to manifest within the universe to uphold dharma.[20]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The various forms that the divine takes in order to interact with the world and protect Dharma; signifies divine intervention in the world.[21]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Refers to the embodiment of a deity in a physical form, particularly the various manifestations of Vishnu.[22]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The various forms that Vishnu assumes to engage with the world and safeguard righteousness.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the divine descent of the Supreme Lord into the material world, typically for the purpose of restoring dharma.[24] (2) Different forms or appearances taken by the Supreme Lord to interact with His devotees.[25] (3) Manifestations of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, expressing different aspects of divinity.[26] (4) Different forms and manifestations of the Supreme Lord that appear in various ages to protect and guide the world.[27] (5) The various forms or manifestations of the Supreme Lord that are essential to grasping the complexity of divinity.[28]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Avatarah refers to a divine manifestation or embodiment that comes into the material world.[29] (2) The manifestation or embodiment of a deity in physical form, as in the case of Aniruddha.[30] (3) The earthly manifestation of a divine being, often tasked with restoring balance and order.[31] (4) Different forms the divine takes to manifest in the material world.[32] (5) The descent of a deity to Earth in a physical form; in this context, refers to Lord Vishnu's manifestations.[33]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The numerous forms and manifestations that Shri Bhagavan takes to fulfill divine pastimes, in which Shri Mahalakshmi participates.[34] (2) Divine descents or earthly manifestations of the Supreme Lord in various forms.[35] (3) Divine manifest expressions of the deity in various forms, with Shri Narayana being the source.[36]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The appearance of God in the material world, often misunderstood by people as mere human forms.[37]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) Incarnations are divine embodiments such as Rama and Krsna that serve as effects of the Supreme Lord for those seeking protection.[38] (2) Manifestations of the Lord, including Vibhava incarnations, where certain qualities are explicitly displayed.[39]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Incarnations signify the various forms taken by the Supreme Being or Vishnu to interact with and guide the world.[40]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) Refers to the various forms that deities take in different times to fulfill divine purposes.[41] (2) Refers to the concept of Dattatreya as a divine embodiment who comes to aid humanity.[42]
The concept of Incarnation in local and regional sources
Incarnation signifies the embodiment of a deity in human form, representing the presence of God on earth. This concept emphasizes the profound connection between the divine and human experience, illustrating God's accessibility in physical manifestation.
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) A bodily form assumed by a God, or the presence of God on earth in the person; it signifies the embodiment of a deity or spirit in human form.[43]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A belief that Krishnamurti was seen as an embodiment of a divine presence, which he later disclaimed.[44]