Here we will be taking a two-fold approach to the Buddha. First, we will touch upon the life of the Buddha as well as a number of principles expressed throughout the telling of his life--dharma, artha, kama, and mara. Second, we will touch upon ways in which the Buddha is depicted as a mythological figure in two Hindu narratives, the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana. This second approach involves a lesser known depiction of the Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu who works in favor of the devas. In both narratives, the Buddha is manifested by Vishnu to prevent demons from benefiting from Vedic animal sacrifices. In effect, the Buddha attenuates demonic threats to the devas.
