Vishnu Avatars and Evolution
We all are aware of the theory of ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. What most of us fail to notice is the depiction of evolution of life form on earth through this ‘Dashavatar’ theory.
One of the best examples of evolution is the Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu. This theory of ‘Avatars’ is specified in Rig Veda, the first scriptures known to human kind. This theory closely syncs with the Darwinian theory of evolution, discovered by Charles Darwin. A theory wildly followed by western systems of education.
This proves that Indian Rishis, no less than modern day scientists, were aware of the theory of evolution of life much before Charles Darwin introduced it to the world.
Initially organisms originated in the sea. There were only aquatic creatures.
This is revealed in Rig Veda with the ‘Matsya’ Avatar or the form of a Fish.
Then, came the organisms that could survive both in land and sea. ‘Kurma’ avatar or a giant turtle is a representation of this phase of evolution. This depiction also mentions the protectionist nature of creatures.
Then, came terrestrial creatures. There were initially four-legged animals roaming the earth. A wild boar, ‘Varaha’ avatar reveals this stage of evolution.
This was followed by half animal, half humans. They were crude, uncivilized and rough but with humane values.
This is depicted in Rig Veda by the ‘Narasimha’ avatar.
Then, came humans in their full form. Initially, as dwarfs. And then as full grown men. The dwarf, ‘Vamana’ avatar, is a depiction of this stage.
Then came, fully-grown humans. Humans were initially rugged and resorted to violence on every creature. They did not have sophisticated weapons. This is represented in the form of ‘Parashurama’ avatar. This was the era where there was no differentiation made between male, female or children. Everybody was just human. This represented the tribal mentality of humans. This was the time before there were organized civilizations. Rig Veda mentions that this avatar is immortal and still lives on earth, to be more particular, in a remote place in India. Denoting that the tribal culture of humans will exist, no matter how civilized, they become.
The human then learnt values, ethics, beliefs, etc. Humans started living in communities, civilizations, creating their own kingdoms, systems of governance and societal hierarchies. Gradually, they represented heroism, leadership. Men started protecting women, who are, typically, physically weaker. With evolved practices of living, habit formations, Humans became less violent, more matured, calm, and respectful. Humans began having rituals and traditions. The human also started having relationships with other humans — that of a child (son/daughter), spouse, parent, sibling, a student, mentor, etc.
This is explained in Rig Veda with the mention of ‘Rama’ avatar, a king who ruled the kingdom of Ayodhya.
The human then gets more materialistic but with a firm ground in spirituality as well. Human begins to learn to be happy, love, and play around while also preaching other humans how to live right. Humans gradually start thinking evil. They give way to negative qualities like greed, frustration, anger, hatred, lust, and cunningness to hurt other humans in subtle manners. There is misuse of power, politics, favoritism, etc.in an evolution of relationships between sexes, human starts having sexual and romantic relationships with more than one human of the other sex. So, this creates a competition among several humans for the love of one human. The competition is not always played out in a healthy manner.
In Rig Veda, this is explained through the existence ‘Krishna’ Avatar, a playful child brought up in a modest household who goes on to become a king of fledging kingdom. He then goes on to develop relationships with rulers of other kingdoms. He ultimately emerges as a mentor, a negotiator and protector of peace, positive values and beliefs on earth.
Some versions of the avatar theory also introduce us to females and transgenders and the concept of lust. The sexual attraction between sexes and how that can lead to bad decision making and eventual downfall. This is depicted as ‘Mohini’ avatar.
As Humans evolved, they started creating rules, culture, rituals and practices for positive and peaceful living, in short, they started creating their own Religions for other humans to follow. This also led to the evolution of the spiritual life of humans. Humans started thinking about the purpose of existence and objectives in life. This capability for humans to create and follow their own religion has been depicted by ‘Buddha’ avatar. It refers to a person who renounces all materialistic things in life to follow spiritual path. This is one avatar that was not part of the original avatar theory mentioned in the Rig Veda but a later addition by some rulers.
Finally, humans now have to learn to destroy what we created. This is mentioned in Rig Veda in the form of ‘Kalki’ avatar.
Here, the western Darwinian evolution theory differs from the Rig Vedic Avatar theory. Rig Veda mentions that evolution is cyclical. Meaning, once every life form on earth perishes, we will again see evolution repeating itself from acquatic creatures to humans again and again.
