asura

• Существительное, обозначающее класс божественных существ в индийской мифологии; первоначально считались богами, но позже стали рассматриваться как демоны или существа, стремящиеся к власти, выступая в качестве аналога зороастрийского Ахуры.

A noun referring to a class of divine beings in Indian mythology; originally considered gods, they later came to be regarded as demons or power-seeking entities, serving as the counterpart to the Zoroastrian Ahura.

proper noun

1. Mythological beingC1formal

   In Hindu mythology, a class of divine beings originally considered gods but later depicted as power-seeking demons, often in conflict with the devas.

   Асура

   • The asuras were once celestial beings but lost their divine status.
   • In the Puranas, asuras constantly battle the devas for supremacy.
   • The king of the asuras, Hiranyakashipu, was a powerful figure in Hindu lore.

2. Buddhist conceptC1formal

   In Buddhist cosmology, a type of being or realm characterized by jealousy, anger, and constant conflict, often considered a lower rebirth.

   Асура

   • Asuras are depicted as warlike beings who envy the devas.
   • The asura realm is one of the six realms of samsara in Buddhism.
   • Buddhist texts describe asuras as perpetually fighting for power.

   Synonymsdemigodtitan

3. Zoroastrian connectionC2formal

   Related to the Zoroastrian concept of Ahura, meaning a wise lord or deity, representing a positive divine force.

   Зороастрийская связь

   • The term asura is linguistically linked to the Zoroastrian Ahura.
   • In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda is the supreme creator god.
   • The shift from asura as god to demon reflects a cultural divergence between Indian and Iranian traditions.

   Synonymsahura