A questioner asks about the concept of Avatars, questioning whether they are born perfect with all virtues, and whether their stories in epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are historically accurate or just narratives to help people. Acharya Prashant explains that in the scriptures, Avatars are depicted with both special and ordinary human qualities. He clarifies that an Avatar is not someone who is born perfect, but rather someone who, despite being very much like an ordinary human with flaws and limitations, possesses the resolve and courage to live as the Self (Atma). This human aspect is crucial; for instance, Shri Ram is shown crying when Sita is lost and asking trees and birds for her whereabouts. This is not a display of divine power but of profound humanity. If Avatars were depicted as flawless ideals, the entire purpose of their existence would be disrupted. The Sanatana tradition, he states, is secure enough to show its heroes as human, complete with emotions like anger and attachment. These are not accidental flaws in the narrative but deliberate inclusions to make the Avatars relatable and inspirational, presenting their lives as a challenge to ordinary people to show that they too can become great. Regarding the historical significance, Acharya Prashant asserts that characters like Shri Ram and Shri Krishna were indeed historical figures who lived on this earth. However, he emphasizes that the purpose of the epics and Puranas is not to document history. India's spiritual tradition has always prioritized liberation (mukti) over historical facts. Unlike history, which focuses on material facts, these scriptures aim to provide spiritual teachings. Therefore, while the characters are real, the stories about them are not always factual in a literal sense. They are often embellished with exaggerations and symbolism. These embellishments are not due to ignorance but are a deliberate and scientific method (vidhi) to convey profound truths. The mind is drawn to stories, so the highest principles are taught through them. He uses the analogy of an Avatar being like a mobile tower: it is not the ultimate satellite but is the highest point on the ground that connects us to the ultimate. The stories are a carefully constructed system to keep people engaged in spirituality. The essence, therefore, lies in understanding the teachings and drawing inspiration from them, rather than getting caught up in debates about their historical accuracy. The creators' intent was not to teach history but to guide people towards liberation.
