Hinduism and creationism
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Within some of the diverse traditions of Hinduism, creation of the universe and life itself is believed to have occurred due to the will of a supreme consciousness or intelligence, often referred to as Brahman.[1] 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 'maintenance' and 'destruction' (of the universe) respectively.[2] In this respect some Hindu schools do not treat the scriptural creation or origin story 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.[3][4].
An exception to this acceptance is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which includes several members who actively oppose "Darwinism" and the neo-Darwinist theory of evolution.
Hindu creation accounts and evolution
According to the Vedas creation of the universe is shrouded in mystery. The Rig Veda says:
"Then was not non-existence nor existence: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it. What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was water there, unfathomed depth of water? Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal: no sign was there, the day's and night's divider. That One Thing, breathless, breathed by its own nature: apart from it was nothing whatsoever. Darkness there was at first concealed in darkness this. All was indiscriminated chaos. All that existed then was void and form less: by the great power of Warmth was born that Unit. Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire, the primal seed and germ of Spirit. Sages who searched with their heart's thought discovered the existent's kinship in the non-existent. Transversely was their severing line extended: what was above it then, and what below it? There were begetters, there were mighty forces, free action here and energy up yonder. Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation? The devas are later than this world's production. 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)[5]
A Hindu creation account is recorded in the sacred texts, the Upanishads, according to which the universe, the Earth, along with humans and other creatures undergo repeated cycles of creation and destruction (pralaya). 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
Hindus (along with people of other faiths) have been reported to be apprehensive about efforts to teach Christian creationism in public schools in the US.[6] An 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.
Hindus and evolution
In general, Hindus believe in biological evolution in some form. [7]
Vishnu's Avatars and Darwin's theory of evolution
There has also been some comparison between the avatars of Vishnu and Darwin's Theory of Evolution, as the incarnations generally mirror increasing phylogenetic sophistication in keeping with the theory's proposal of terrestrial reptiles and mammals evolving from aquatic and amphibian life.[8] [9]
Sri Aurobindo and evolution
Indian mystic Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) proposed a religious "theory of evolution", though in his usage, evolution refers to the theorized adventures of the World-Spirit moving through successively greater levels of consciousness, from matter to man, seeking fulfillment.
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 all-together. 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".[10][11]
Michael Cremo and evolution
Michael Cremo wrote Human Devolution: A Vedic alternative to Darwin’s theory[12] to describe a 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 presents argument against Darwin's theory of evolution pursuing this same theme in several other books. Cremo suggests that Darwinian evolution should be replaced with "devolution" from the original unity with Brahman. These books have been met with considerable skepticism by the scientific community which charges that Cremo's theories are pseudoscience.[13][14] Some have dubbed these beliefs as akin to a form of "Vedic creationism."[15]
See also
Notes
- ^ Hinduism "According to Hindu beliefs, Brahman is the principle and source of the universe"
- ^ BBC - Religion & Ethics - Brahman & the Trimurthi
- ^ Science and Spirituality: Any Points of Contact? Dr. J.S.R.L. Narayana Moorty
- ^ Krishnamurti Centennial
Conference;
Miami University , Ohio, May 18-21, 1995. - ^ Griffith, Ralph T.H. (Transl.): Hymns of the Rgveda, Vol. II, 1889-92; Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1999.
- ^ "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.
- ^ http://www.hinduwebsite.com/evolution.asp
- ^ http://abyc.wordpress.com/2007/04/24/incarnations-of-vishnu-theory-of-evolution/
- ^ http://mailerindia.com/god/hindu/index.php?vish6
- ^ 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.
- ^ Human Devolution: A Vedic alternative to Darwin’s theory, Michael A. Cremo, Torchlight Publishing, September 15, 2003, ISBN-10: 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
- ^ Vedic creationism in America, Meera Nanda, Frontline: India's National Magazine from the publishers of THE HINDU, Volume 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-10: 0892133252
- Forbidden Archeology: The Full Unabridged Edition, Michael A. Cremo and Richard L. Thompson, Torchlight Publishing; 2Rev Ed edition, January 1998 ISBN-10: 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-10: 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 flaws in Darwin’s theory: An anti-Darwinian evolution website that advocates Hinduism.
- The Secret Diary of Charles Darwin, Sivasiva Palani: Discussion of contradictions between Hinduism and evolution in Hinduism Today.
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