Ancient evolution theory and infinite with finite paradox in Hinduism

[JR]

Hinduism is factually the world's oldest religion and thus, there is a number of misconceptions on it.

Probably one of the most famous misconceptions, even within Hindus, is that they are required to worship idols. The truth is Hindus are asked not to worship idols, but worship God in the form of idols. With so many idols and faces of the Almighty, people tend to easily get confused between God and idols. The purpose of worhsipping God through idols is to facilitate contemplation of the infinite with our finite capabilities. Reaching the infinite with finite capabilities is one of the paradoxes in Hinduism.

To digress slightly, most paradoxes make us think and the simple reason is that they contain the universal truth in them. Note "simple reason" and "universal truth", even that is a paradox I just thought of.

There is an interesting thought on how evolutionary is being depicted through the ten incarnations of the Hindu Lord Maha Vishnu. This is what it is believed to be.

Matsya(fish) to Kurma(tortoise-amphibian) to Varaha(boar) to Narasimha(half-man/half lion) to Vamana(dwarfed man-with stunted growth) to Parasurama(axe wielding primitive man) to Rama(justly king-epitome of goodness) to Krishna(worldly wise-machiavellian) to Buddha(enlightened one) to ?

The last incarnation is believed to be Kalki Avatar. The incarnation He takes to destroy the world which is equivalent to that of what other religions believe to be "judgement day".

There is another belief of how Lord Surya's (Sun) had seven chariots which correspond to the seven colours of the spectrum.

It is fascinating that our forefathers knew well about science which we know of today. In the Golden and Silver Ages, some civilisations were known to have used technology more advanced than ours. Just imagine, people in those days used technology greater than that of computer's.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


- Thanaseelan, visit his profile at .blogger.com/profile/11320861502208126526 and main blog at worthofwordplay.blogspot.com