Buddhism

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Asura

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | | Copyright

Asura (Skt.), power-seeking and power-hungry being, not unlike a Titan, often, but somewhat misleadingly translated as ‘demon’; or, anārya (non-Āryan) people of ancient India. The derivation of asura is uncertain.

Asuras are not necessarily evil, nor are devas necessarily good. They are consubstantial, distinguished only by their mutual opposition, which is not conceived as an absolute ethical dualism.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Asura." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Asura." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Asura.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Asura." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Asura.html

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asura

A Dictionary of Buddhism | 2004 | | Copyright

asura (Skt.). Demigods, titans. A group of beings who were considered to be the opponents of the gods according to orthodox vedic mythology. Later, they were incorporated into Buddhist cosmology as occupying one of the six modes of existence shown in the wheel of life (bhavacakra). They are thought to reside just below the gods who dwell on the slopes of Mt. Meru.

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DAMIEN KEOWN. "asura." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAMIEN KEOWN. "asura." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-asura.html

DAMIEN KEOWN. "asura." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-asura.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Asura in Early Vedic Religion. Magazine article from: The Journal of the American Oriental Society; 10/1/1993
	Games review: Asura`s Wrath. Newspaper article from: Eastbourne Herald (Eastbourne, England); 2/24/2012
	Make Asura. Magazine article from: Printing News; 2/28/2000