Akshat Agrawal Musings: Buddha and Narayana

Is Gautam Buddha Really the 9th Avatar of Lord Narayan?

Traditionally, yes — but with nuances:

Dashavatara tradition: In many Hindu traditions, especially Vaishnavism, Gautam Buddha is considered the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu. This is widely accepted in the Puranas such as the Bhagavata Purana, Garuda Purana, and Agni Purana.
Purpose in Hindu texts: Interestingly, in some scriptures, Buddha’s incarnation is described not to teach enlightenment (as in Buddhism) but to deliberately delude demons or asuras from Vedic rituals — a more tactical avatar of Vishnu to restore dharma in a roundabout way.
Other interpretations: Some schools of Hinduism, particularly older ones, consider Balarama (Krishna’s brother) as the 9th avatar instead, especially in the Sri Vaishnava and Dvaita Vedanta traditions.
Syncretism or assimilation? Many scholars view the inclusion of Buddha in the Hindu pantheon as a strategic assimilation, post-Buddhism’s massive influence in the Indian subcontinent. By declaring Buddha as a Vishnu avatar, Hinduism could reframe Buddhism within its own worldview.

You made a brilliant observation — the iconography of half-closed eyes is striking in both traditions.

Buddha’s half-closed eyes: Symbolize the state of meditation — being awake yet inward-looking, in a balanced, mindful, awakened state. This is the samadhi posture: detached from external distractions, fully present in inner awareness.
Vishnu’s posture (Yoganidra): Vishnu lying on Ananta (serpent) in the cosmic ocean, in a state of half-sleep/half-awareness, known as Yoganidra. This represents cosmic balance: he’s not asleep in the mortal sense, but in a divine trance, where the universe is maintained. He's passive yet omniscient — potential energy of the cosmos.

Historically speaking:

Buddhism (6th century BCE) postdates early Vedic religion, but not necessarily Vaishnavism in its current form. The Puranic system (like Dashavatara) that includes Buddha came much later (circa 300 CE and after).
The idea of yoganidra or divine awareness was present in early Vedic and Upanishadic thoughts (e.g., the Mandukya Upanishad’s description of the Turiya state), before Buddhist imagery solidified.

So likely:

Buddhism popularized the meditative half-closed-eye iconography, especially in sculpture and temple art.
Hinduism already had the idea of divine yogic states, but may have drawn from or adapted visual symbols popularized by Buddhist art, especially during the Gupta period, when both traditions coexisted and influenced each other.

Yes, Buddha is considered the 9th avatar of Vishnu in most Hindu traditions, but this is as much a theological as a political move to harmonize both traditions.
The half-closed eyes in both traditions represent higher awareness, though their origin is complex and likely mutually influential. Buddhism popularized it visually, while Hinduism had the conceptual roots earlier in yogic philosophy.

If you're into comparative mythology or want scholarly references, feel free to ask!