Hindu views on evolution: Difference between revisions
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'''Hindu views on evolution''' include a range of viewpoints in regards to [[evolution]], [[creationism]], and the [[origin of life]] within the traditions of [[Hinduism]]. |
'''Hindu views on evolution''' include a range of viewpoints in regards to [[evolution]], [[creationism]], and the [[origin of life]] within the traditions of [[Hinduism]]. |
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The accounts of the emergence of life within the universe vary in description, but classically the [[deity]] called [[Brahma]], from a [[Trimurti]] of three deities also including [[Vishnu]] and [[Shiva]], is described as performing the act of 'creation', or more specifically of 'propagating life within the universe' with the other two deities being responsible for 'preservation' and 'destruction' (of the universe) respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/beliefs/intro_1.shtml |title=Religion & Ethics-Hinduism|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-12-26}}</ref> Some Hindu schools do not treat the scriptural [[Creation myth#Hindu|creation myth]] literally and often the creation stories themselves do not go into specific detail, thus leaving open the possibility of incorporating at least some theories in support of evolution. Some Hindus find support for, or foreshadowing of evolutionary ideas in [[Hindu scriptures|scriptures]], namely the [[Vedas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.well.com/user/jct/science.html | title=Science and spirituality: Any Points of Contact? The Teachings of U.G.Krishnamurti: A Case Study |last=Moorty | first=J.S.R.L.Narayana| work = Krishnamurti Centennial Conference| accessdate=2008-12-26 |date=May 18-21, 1995}}</ref> |
The accounts of the emergence of life within the universe vary in description, but classically the [[deity]] called [[Brahma]], from a [[Trimurti]] of three deities also including [[Vishnu]] and [[Shiva]], is described as performing the act of 'creation', or more specifically of 'propagating life within the universe' with the other two deities being responsible for 'preservation' and 'destruction' (of the universe) respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/beliefs/intro_1.shtml |title=Religion & Ethics-Hinduism|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-12-26}}</ref> Some Hindu schools do not treat the scriptural [[Creation myth#Hindu|creation myth]] literally and often the creation stories themselves do not go into specific detail, thus leaving open the possibility of incorporating at least some theories in support of evolution. Some Hindus find support for, or foreshadowing of evolutionary ideas in [[Hindu scriptures|scriptures]], namely the [[Vedas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.well.com/user/jct/science.html | title=Science and spirituality: Any Points of Contact? The Teachings of U.G.Krishnamurti: A Case Study |last=Moorty | first=J.S.R.L.Narayana| work = Krishnamurti Centennial Conference| accessdate=2008-12-26 |date=May 18-21, 1995}}</ref> An exception to this acceptance is the [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] (ISKCON), which includes several members who actively oppose "[[Darwinism]]" and the [[modern evolutionary synthesis]]<ref>http://news.iskcon.com/node/1592/2008-12-27/expelled_no_intelligence_allowed</ref>. |
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==Hindu creation accounts== |
==Hindu creation accounts== |
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===Sri Aurobindo and evolution=== |
===Sri Aurobindo and evolution=== |
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Indian mystic [[Sri Aurobindo]] (1872-1950) proposed a religious [[Sri Aurobindo #Evolution|"theory of evolution"]], though in his usage, evolution refers to the movement of the evolutionary process to the mind and the intellect as the faculties of physical evolution have reached their pinnacle in the form of man. |
Indian mystic [[Sri Aurobindo]] (1872-1950) proposed a religious [[Sri Aurobindo #Evolution|"theory of evolution"]], though in his usage, evolution refers to the movement of the evolutionary process to the mind and the intellect as the faculties of physical evolution have reached their pinnacle in the form of man. |
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===ISKCON and evolution=== |
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Members of the [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] (ISKCON) have expressed their belief that [[Charles Darwin's]] theory of evolution by [[natural selection]] is false, but do not necessarily dispute evolution altogether. The views of the founder of ISKCON, [[A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]], on Darwin and evolution are found in his book "''Life comes from life''".<ref>[http://www.angelfire.com/ego2/prabhupada/life/life_comes.htm Life Comes from Life] - written by [[A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]] (founder of ISKCON)]</ref><ref>[http://www.hknet.org.nz/DarwinTheoryGoneApe.html A selection of quotes and small essays] - mostly by Bhaktivedanta Swami, founder of ISKCON, on Darwinian evolution and other topics.</ref> |
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[[Michael Cremo]] (also known as "Drutakarma Dasa") is a member of ISKCON who wrote ''Human Devolution: A Vedic alternative to Darwin's theory'', published by ISKCON's Bhaktivedanta Book Publishing,<ref>{{cite book | last =Cremo | first =Michael | authorlink =Michael Cremo | title =Human Devolution: A Vedic alternative to Darwin's theory | publisher =Bhaktivedanta Book Publishing | date =2003 | isbn =0892133341 }}</ref> which holds the view that man has existed on the earth in modern form far longer than that offered by the currently accepted [[human evolution|fossil evidence and genetic evidence]]. Cremo suggests that Darwinian evolution should be replaced with "devolution" from the original unity with [[Brahman]]. His books have been met with considerable skepticism by the scientific community which charges that Cremo's theories are [[pseudoscience]].<ref>[http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/rncse_content/vol19/3185_iforbidden_archaeologys_imp_12_30_1899.asp ''Forbidden Archaeology´s Impact by Michael A Cremo'', Tom Morrow, Reports of the National Center for Science Education, 19 (3): 14-17.]</ref><ref>[http://www.ramtops.co.uk/tarzia.html ''Forbidden Archaeology : Antievolutionism Outside the Christian Arena,'' Wade Tarzia, Creation/Evolution 34:13-25, 1994]</ref> Author [[Meera Nanda]] has dubbed these beliefs a form of "Vedic creationism."<ref>Nanda, Meera, ''[http://www.flonnet.com/fl2301/stories/20060127003309700.htm Vedic creationism in America]'', [[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]], Vol '''23''', Issue 01, Jan. 14 - 27, 2006.</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Hindu views on evolution include a range of viewpoints in regards to evolution, creationism, and the origin of life within the traditions of Hinduism. The accounts of the emergence of life within the universe vary in description, but classically the deity called Brahma, from a Trimurti of three deities also including Vishnu and Shiva, is described as performing the act of 'creation', or more specifically of 'propagating life within the universe' with the other two deities being responsible for 'preservation' and 'destruction' (of the universe) respectively.[1] Some Hindu schools do not treat the scriptural creation myth literally and often the creation stories themselves do not go into specific detail, thus leaving open the possibility of incorporating at least some theories in support of evolution. Some Hindus find support for, or foreshadowing of evolutionary ideas in scriptures, namely the Vedas.[2] An exception to this acceptance is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which includes several members who actively oppose "Darwinism" and the modern evolutionary synthesis[3].
Hindu creation accounts
According to the Vedas creation of the universe is shrouded in mystery. The Nasadiya Sukta, the 129th hymn of the 10th Mandala of the Rig Veda questions the attribution of creation and the origins of the universe:
Then was not non-existence nor existence: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it. What covered in, and where?.... Who knows then whence it first came into being? He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it, Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not. -(Rig Veda 10.129.1-7)[4]
A Hindu creation account is recorded in the Upanishads, according to which the universe and the Earth, along with humans and other creatures undergo repeated cycles (pralaya) of creation and destruction. A variety of myths exist regarding the specifics of the process, but in general the Hindu view of the cosmos is as eternal and cyclic.
Hindu opposition to Christian Creationism
While evolution vs. creationism has seen much debate in the US and other countries, it has not been a significant issue in India, with its majority-Hindu population.[5][6] Hindus are among many faiths that have expressed apprehension about efforts to teach Christian creationism in public schools in the US.[7] One objection to the teaching of creationism based on the religious texts of a particular faith is that in a pluralistic society this can result in the imposition of one religion.[8]
Hindus and evolution
Day and Night of Brahma
Science writers Carl Sagan and Fritjof Capra have pointed out similarities between the latest scientific understanding of the age of the universe, and the Hindu concept of a "day and night of Brahma", which is much closer to the current known age of the universe than other creation myths. The days and nights of Brahma posit a view of the universe that is divinely created, and is not strictly evolutionary, but an ongoing cycle of birth, death, and rebirth of the universe. According to Sagan:
The Hindu religion is the only one of the world's great faiths dedicated to the idea that the Cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite, number of deaths and rebirths. It is the only religion in which time scales correspond to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma, 8.64 billion years long, longer than the age of the Earth or the Sun and about half the time since the Big Bang.[9]
Capra, in his popular book The Tao of Physics, wrote that:
This idea of a periodically expanding and contracting universe, which involves a scale of time and space of vast proportions, has arisen not only in modern cosmology, but also in ancient Indian mythology. Experiencing the universe as an organic and rhythmically moving cosmos, the Hindus were able to develop evolutionary cosmologies which come very close to our modern scientific models.[10]
Swami Vivekananda and evolution
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Swami Vivekananda, the Hindu revivalist of the 19th century interpreted the Advaita Vedantic understanding of evolution to be in harmony with Darwinian theory.[dubious – discuss] In his commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, he writes:[11]
"There seems to be a great difference between modern science and all religions at this point. Every religion has the idea that the universe comes out of intelligence. The theory of God, taking it in its psychological significance, apart from all ideas of personality, is that intelligence is first in the order of creation, and that out of intelligence comes what we call gross matter. Modern philosophers say that intelligence is the last to come. They say that unintelligent things slowly evolve into animals, and from animals into men. They claim that instead of everything coming out of intelligence, intelligence itself is the last to come. Both the religious and the scientific statements, though seeming directly opposed to each other are true. Take an infinite series, A—B—A—B —A—B. etc. The question is — which is first, A or B? If you take the series as A—B. you will say that A is first, but if you take it as B—A, you will say that B is first. It depends upon the way we look at it. Intelligence undergoes modification and becomes the gross matter, this again merges into intelligence, and thus the process goes on. The Sankhyas, and other religionists, put intelligence first, and the series becomes intelligence, then matter. The scientific man puts his finger on matter, and says matter, then intelligence. They both indicate the same chain. Indian philosophy, however, goes beyond both intelligence and matter, and finds a Purusha, or Self, which is beyond intelligence, of which intelligence is but the borrowed light."
Sri Aurobindo and evolution
Indian mystic Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) proposed a religious "theory of evolution", though in his usage, evolution refers to the movement of the evolutionary process to the mind and the intellect as the faculties of physical evolution have reached their pinnacle in the form of man.
ISKCON and evolution
Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) have expressed their belief that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is false, but do not necessarily dispute evolution altogether. The views of the founder of ISKCON, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, on Darwin and evolution are found in his book "Life comes from life".[12][13]
Michael Cremo (also known as "Drutakarma Dasa") is a member of ISKCON who wrote Human Devolution: A Vedic alternative to Darwin's theory, published by ISKCON's Bhaktivedanta Book Publishing,[14] which holds the view that man has existed on the earth in modern form far longer than that offered by the currently accepted fossil evidence and genetic evidence. Cremo suggests that Darwinian evolution should be replaced with "devolution" from the original unity with Brahman. His books have been met with considerable skepticism by the scientific community which charges that Cremo's theories are pseudoscience.[15][16] Author Meera Nanda has dubbed these beliefs a form of "Vedic creationism."[17]
See also
- Relationship between religion and science
- Mormonism and evolution
- Jainism and non-creationism
- Jewish views on evolution
- Evolution and the Roman Catholic Church
- Creation myth
Notes
- ^ "Religion & Ethics-Hinduism". BBC. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
- ^ Moorty, J.S.R.L.Narayana (May 18–21, 1995). "Science and spirituality: Any Points of Contact? The Teachings of U.G.Krishnamurti: A Case Study". Krishnamurti Centennial Conference. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ http://news.iskcon.com/node/1592/2008-12-27/expelled_no_intelligence_allowed
- ^ Griffith, Ralph T.H. (Transl.): Hymns of the Rgveda, Vol. II, 1889-92; Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1999.
- ^ Balaram, P (2004). "Editorial" (PDF). Current Science. 86 (9): 1191–1192.
- ^ Coleman, Simon (2003). "The cultures of creationism: Shifting boundaries of belief, knowledge and nationhood". The Cultures of Creationism: Anti-evolutionism in English-speaking Countries. Ashgate Publishing. p. 3. ISBN 075460912X.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Christian agenda worries other faiths: push for intelligent design seen by some as imposing Christianity on others", Jim Baker, Lawrence World – Journal, May 12, 2005. See article on LJ world
- ^ White, Aaron. "The debate over evolution in Kansas public schools". The Pluralism Project at Harvard University. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
- ^ Sagan, Carl (1985). Cosmos. Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0345331359. p. 258.
- ^ Capra, Fritjof (1991). Tao of Physics. Shambhala. ISBN 978-0877735946. p. 198
- ^ Swami Vivekananda (1915). "Raja Yoga". Vol. Vol. 1 (2 ed.). Prabuddha Bharat Office http://books.google.com/books?id=030TAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA272.
{{cite book}}:|volume=has extra text (help); Missing or empty|title=(help); Unknown parameter|titke=ignored (help) - ^ Life Comes from Life - written by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON)]
- ^ A selection of quotes and small essays - mostly by Bhaktivedanta Swami, founder of ISKCON, on Darwinian evolution and other topics.
- ^ Cremo, Michael (2003). Human Devolution: A Vedic alternative to Darwin's theory. Bhaktivedanta Book Publishing. ISBN 0892133341.
- ^ Forbidden Archaeology´s Impact by Michael A Cremo, Tom Morrow, Reports of the National Center for Science Education, 19 (3): 14-17.
- ^ Forbidden Archaeology : Antievolutionism Outside the Christian Arena, Wade Tarzia, Creation/Evolution 34:13-25, 1994
- ^ Nanda, Meera, Vedic creationism in America, Frontline, Vol 23, Issue 01, Jan. 14 - 27, 2006.
References
- Cavanaugh, Michael A. 1983. A Sociological Account of Scientific Creationism: Science, True Science, Pseudoscience. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
- Eve, Harold, "Creationist Movement in Modern America", Twayne Pub, 1990.
- The Hidden History of the Human Race (The Condensed Edition of Forbidden Archeology), Michael A. Cremo, Torchlight Publishing, May 15, 1999ISBN 0892133252
- Forbidden Archeology: The Full Unabridged Edition, Michael A. Cremo and Richard L. Thompson, Torchlight Publishing; 2Rev Ed edition, January 1998 ISBN 0892132949
- Prophets Facing Backward: Postmodern Critiques of Science and the Making of Hindu Nationalism in India, Meera Nanda, Rutgers University Press, 2003.
- Explaining Hindu Dharma A Guide for Teachers, N. K. Prinja (ed), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (UK). pp. 204. Chatham Printers Limited, Leicester, UK, 2001.
- Forbidden Archeology's Impact: How a Controversial New Book Shocked the Scientific Community and Became an Underground Classic, Michael A. Cremo, Torchlight Publishing, January 1998, ISBN 0892132833.
External links
- Humankind and evolution: Editorial in The Hindu, April 20, 2004.
- Dharma vs. Darwin? Swami B.V. Tripurari : Beliefnet article describing Hindu perspectives on evolution
- The Perils of Vedic 'Science' , Meera Nanda, Beliefnet article on Hindu science and evolutionary theories.
- The Secret Diary of Charles Darwin, Sivasiva Palani: Discussion of contradictions between Hinduism and evolution in Hinduism Today.