The Theory of Evolution Basic to Indian Thought

The riddle behind the origin of universe, its sustenance and transformation has always vexed human intelligence and imagination. Nevertheless, the vigour of man’s search to discover the unknown has never weakened. That there is an ‘Invisible Idea’ behind Creation is fundamental in spirituality. This fundamental ‘plan’ or idea is behind the origin of life-energy (soul or jeeva), its manifestation and transformation through a physical medium.

Indian spiritual thought is related to this perception regarding the successive evolvement of soul and body through the conduit of time (in the form of Yugas and Manvantaras). A person who tries to know Indian philosophy in depth could discern this fact. In that way, we can see this nature as a perfect setting inherent with different shades of life-potencies for evolvement of individual life forms.

The soul in its infinitesimal form should evolve to its Absolute nature, which necessitates an evolutionary scheme.  Nature has an inherent character to evolve the jeeva to its Absolute status through a series of evolutionary incarnations. There is the process of moulding the physical setting according to the nature and quality of evolution presupposing an inter-relationship between spirit’s evolutionary status and physical attributes.

There exists, also a divine intervention that creates or directs this rhythmic evolution. The uniqueness of Indian spirituality is this idea of a divine intervention, in the form of a spiritual embodiment that exists as the ‘witnessing authority of all actions and knowledge (Karma-Dharma-Saakshi, i.e. Guru Incarnation) in the evolutionary process of soul and body. In the practical plane, this concept existed in India in the form of Guru-Disciple spirituality in the scheme of Sanatana Dharma.

     

Since the evolutionary process is successive, the manifestation of ‘Karma-Dharma- Saakshi’ (the Guru Incarnation) is also successive in terms of humanity’s spiritual progression. This process has been ordained in a manner of ‘karma and dharma’ according to the age, which is referred as Yuga Dharma.

Yuga Dharma is the dharmic orientation of life in accordance with the evolving cycles of time for the soul and body to evolve from its imperfect state to its Absolute status or from the state of nescience to absolute enlightenment. Indian spirituality considers the relationship between an enlightened Guru - who is the embodiment of absolute realization- and the souls who are struggling to attain freedom from the chains of imperfection as the fundamental dharma for the evolvement and fulfilment of all living beings.

There is a revelatory knowledge, which gives the information about such Guru Incarnations who help the imperfect souls to reach the path of perfection. We were not able to comprehend the history of revelations about such great souls and about the prophesies made by them about the incarnations that are to come in succession.

We should realize that beyond the wondrous feats and occult performances, there is this path of spiritual evolvement for the soul and body in accordance with a perennial law in nature. There should be a correction to our ignorance on this subject, as it is not good to wait yet.

(From the Introduction to the book ‘The Riddle of Manu, Manvantara Avatars and World Teacher Prophecies’ published by Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala)