In the numerous lists from the Puranas (sacred writings in Sanskrit containing Hindu legends and folklore), the number of avatars, as well as their names, have significantly varied until a definitive list was finally established. In its list of ten avatars, the Buddha appears ninth. The avatar Buddha acts by means of maya (the magic of Vishnu). Using a deceitful appearance, he spreads confusion, fosters heresies, and incites to anti-brahmanical behavior. For the brahman redactors of Vaisnava texts, the Buddha is but an illusory form assumed by Vishnu in order to deceive infidels and ensure their ruin. It was their attempt to subvert their adversary’s teachings.