The Doctrine of Avatara

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Theism has got a unique place in Indian Philosophy. Its uniqueness lies in giving support to mythology gods are taken as saviours of the suffering human-kind, and all living beings. The theism in Indian Philosophy is also unique, because human beings are considered as the children of the God. Though there is difference of opinion about accepting the existence of God, majority of Indian Philosophical systems supported the existence of God and His strong desire to come-down from their heavenly abodes to the earth, to save their children. It is in this direction, the concept o Avatara has attained significance and meaning.

No doubt, 20th century was the age of new technology and knowledge. Man has really achieved tremendous developments socially, politically, economically, and culturally. Modern Science and technology helped man to visit planets like, Mars and Jupiter. But pitiably he failed to work to live on earth as human being. Some of the thinkers even went to the extent of questioning the existence of metaphysics. Globally a band of atheists lined up to root out religion as a whole. In India, catching the theistic spirit, several philosophers and social reformers came forward to give life to metaphysics in general and religion in particular. Every Philosopher has tried to uphold the religious philosophies based on both faith and reason. They have struggled hard to convince both common man and the other to accept the concept of Avatara as a boon to man to attain salvation. They have even gone to the extent of clarifying varied puzzeles that emmerge in understanding the concept of Avatara with full clarity. One such contemporary Philosopher in Gandhi who viewed religion as the highest value to human beings.

Now Dr. Sadanandam an ardent Gandhian scholar has analysed the meaning, the nature, and the scope of the concept of Avatara from classical period to contemporary period. He has provided a detailed account about the place of the concept of Avatara in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Epics, the Vedanta and in the contemporary philosophies of Ramakrishna, Tagore, Aurobindo, Radhakrishnan and Gandhi. The present work "The Doctrine of Avatara" has high-lighted Gandhiji's contribution to Indian theism.

Gandhiji's real worth lies in approaching the concept of Avatara from two angles. One by Cancelling the abode of heaven. Secondly, by elevating man to God-hood. Dr. Sadanandam as a true scholar has unnerved the Gandhian mind and depicted the bold venture of Gandhi in giving a new dimension to the concept Avatara. According to Gandhi, man himself is the spark of divinity. God is not a person but a power. As such, Gandhi Couragiously cancelled the very concept of coming down or descendence from the heavenly abode to the earth. His concept of Avatara is unique in the sense that it is man's ascendance here on the earth itself amidst of his own human beings. It is with his exemplary character and conduct, he removes the suffering from human beings and character and conduct, he removes the suffering from human beings and also all beings. He stands as a unique person to be loved and adored by not only his contemporary beings, but also by the coming future generations.

Dr. Sadanandam with his clear cut views and lucid analysis is successful in presenting the theistic attitude of Gandhian thought to the modern society. To a modern man who is fully preoccupied with gratification of senses, this Doctrine of Avatara is certain to direct him to a perfect spiritual path. His work apart from offering intellectual pleasure is sure to bring religious solace. Study of the present work will reveal that the author has discharged his responsibility of discussing the important aspects of the Doctrine of Avatara in Indian Philosophy. Scholars may differ with him on some points, but I am convinced that he has clearly established his contribution. I hope the present book will get a warm welcome by one and all.

About the Book

Theism has got a unique place in Indian Philosophy. Its uniqueness lies in giving support to mythology. In Indian mythology gods are taken as saviours of the suffering human-kind, and all living beings. The theism in Indian Philosophy is also unique, because human beings are considered as the children of the God. Though there is difference of opinion about accepting the existence of God, majority of Indian Philosophical systems supported the existence of God and His strong desire to come-down from their heavenly abodes to the earth, to save their children. It is in this direction, the concept of Avatara has attained significance and meaning.

No doubt, 20th century was the age of new technology and knowledge Man has really achieved tremendous development socially.