The origin of the word AVATAR and its relevance to India

I mentioned that I have been challenged by my reentry from India. I dream at night that I am in India, only to wake up confused. Traveling to a country that demands so much (physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually) combined with the jet lag can lead to feeling a bit off balance.

While in Varanasi, our guide talked about the balance of life. It reminded of the movie Avatar. I then learned from him that the origin of the word, Avatar, is Sanskrit! Why am I not surprised?

av·a·tar
Pronunciation: \ˈa-və-ˌtär\
Function: noun
Etymology: Sanskrit avatāraḥ descent, from avatarati he descends, from ava- away + tarati he crosses over — more at ukase, through
Date: 1784
1 : the incarnation of a Hindu deity (as Vishnu)
2 a : an incarnation in human form b : an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a person
3 : a variant phase or version of a continuing basic entity
4 : an electronic image that represents and is manipulated by a computer user (as in a computer game)


I revisited the movie for a second time in 3D yesterday. It was just as awesome as the first viewing. The ancient wisdoms that were touched upon make so much sense to me...

"Our great mother does not take sides, Jake. She protects only the balance of life."

"All energy is borrowed...one day you have to give it back...."


"Every person is born twice, the second time when you are in your place among the people forever.."