Re: Info. on daSAvatArAlu
RAO@FCRFV1.NCIFCRF.GOV
Tue, 7 Jan 1997 13:31:32 -0500 (EST)
If you can't eliminate them, make them a part of yours. That was the dictum
used by the Hindus. It was during the time of King Harshavardhana that
Buddhism began to fade and Hinduism began to gain ascendancy. Hindu scholars
attributed Buddha as a manifestation of Vishnu. They considered it as a
leela of God to deny vedas. He was considered as naastika and chaarvaaka.
On the other hand, they began to gradually accept the principle of ahimsa.
In Madhvaachaarya's (13th century) das'aavataarastuti, buddha is mentioned.
I'm not sure about his predecessor Ramanuja. Interestingly, in jayadeva's
ashTapadi (actually ekaadas'apadi), Krishna is not mentioned as an avataara.
Paras'uraama, Sriraama and balaraama and later Buddha and kalki are
mentioned. Even now some orthodox schools of Hinduism do NOT consider
Buddha as an avataara of Vishnu. The latter five considered are the three
raamas, Krishna and kalki. Have your pick! I hope this answers some of
the points raised. Good day, friends! - J. K. Mohana Rao