incarnates

Incarnates are a concept found in various spiritual, philosophical, and religious traditions. The core idea of an incarnate is a being, often a divine or spiritual entity, that takes on a physical form, typically human. This process is known as incarnation. The purpose of incarnation varies greatly depending on the specific belief system. In some traditions, it is seen as a way for the divine to experience the material world, to teach, to redeem, or to guide humanity. The incarnate may retain their divine nature while existing in a physical body, or they may experience limitations and mortal struggles as part of their earthly existence. The concept is distinct from simple reincarnation, which typically refers to the transmigration of a soul into a new physical body after death, often to undergo a cycle of rebirth and learning. An incarnate, by contrast, is often understood as a specific, singular manifestation of a divine being in a particular lifetime. Examples of figures considered by their followers to be incarnates can be found across many world religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism, though the specific theological interpretations differ significantly.