Modern science has given us a lot of information about the evolution of human beings. The general belief is that animals gradually underwent evolution to take the form of apes and the ape-man underwent further gradual development to make way to the uncivilized man. This uncivilized man evolved into today’s civilized human being by modifying his life style and attitude as necessitated by his requirements. This theory was held by biologists such as Darwin, Mendel and Lamark. They have given several illustrations while presenting their theories.

It is evident that these scientists did not consider the theory put forth by ancient scriptures such as the Vedas and Puranas. Perhaps they were not aware of the theory of evolution as explained by these scriptures with the help of sound logic and scientific theories. Darwin’s theory, which seemed to be irrefutable in the beginning, had to face many questions on account of the findings of the scientists of 20th century. A new theory of evolution is being formulated. But the same mistake (of not taking into account the theory proposed by the ancient scriptures} is being repeated now also.

Today’s scientists seem to believe that animals gradually undergo evolution naturally and automatically and that the evolution of the civilized human being of today is but a consequence of this natural process. Based on this premise, they develop their theories. These scientists have to explain as to how and from where the animals get the Prajna (special knowledge) required for such natural transformation. This question does not seem to have confronted the scientists yet.

We come across proper investigation, logical analysis and understanding backed by experience in our Vedas and Puranas.

Today’s man has much scientific knowledge. He knows what to eat and what not to eat. He even knows what physiological disturbances are caused by eating what should not be eaten. Still, we see many who eat forbidden articles and are afflicted by diseases. At the same time, man is engaged in inventing new remedies for the diseases so caused. On the other hand, animals living deep inside dense forests do not do like this. They eat what suits them and only when required. They remain healthy and lead a normal life. From where did these animals get this knowledge? To merely say ‘it is natural to them’, it means that we are not analysing enough.

To know the answer to such questions, we must first know about the process of creation. We see that from a small seed, a big tree grows. The qualities inherent in the seed develop and evolve in to a tree with branches, leaves, flowers, fruits and finally seeds. That takes place in some distant place in the universe paves the way for explosion and from this explosion is formed a sun. From this sun are born planets, environment around the planet and life principle in the planets. The living beings undergo evolution just as a seed evolves into a tree. It would be wrong to say that these processes take place without a plan or purpose. They can not occur unless there is a fundamental force behind them. If we refuse to accept the fact that the formation of the stars, planets, life on planets and evolution of living beings – all these take place because of the Samkalpa (plan) of that fundamental energy, we will be unable to comprehend the basis of many complex happenings taking place everyday.

The Vedic scriptures have shown us the path to understand the fundamental principle. They also explain about the method of seeing – with the inner eye - the path that the fundamental principle follows, and about the invisible hand through which it functions to bring about creation and sustains it. The experiences of those who did Sadhana in this path and have been well documented in the Puranas for the sake of future generations.

This fundamental energy should indeed be beyond time. This is because even time is a part of this creation. In other words, time is one of the many aspects created by that fundamental energy. Being the resultant of the action of the fundamental energy, this creation is also bound to be beyond time. Therefore, the scriptures have narrated creation to be without a beginning and an end.

Just as the creation is beginningless, the activities in the creation too are without a beginning. To say that a particular activity started at a particular point of time and ended at a particular point of time may be true only while speaking relatively. However, in the absolute sense, it is not true. Just as the rising and falling of a wave in the sea has the invisible wind behind its creation, even the manifest creation has an invisible cause behind it. The Samkalpa (will) of the fundamental energy itself is the cause. It is called Ishwara Samkalpa. Samkalpa means that which is of the form of knowledge. Only Jnana (knowledge) can undertake any activity systematically. An inert principle, devoid of knowledge can not undertake any meaningful activity.

Such knowledgeable Ishwara Samkalpa (will of the Almighty) first took the form of the gods, endowed with special knowledge and consciousness. In Indian mythological movies and dramas, Gods are portrayed as having a form resembling human beings. Even the mythological scriptures have given similar description. However, the Vedas say that Gods are nothing but clusters of different energies responsible for creation. Each cluster takes part in a particular aspect of creation and has been considered as a separate godhead. Those who understand the Vedas properly are aware of this fact. The different forms of Gods have been conceptualized in such a way that they reflect the nature of that particular cluster of energies. It is said that by worshipping a particular form, the seeker will be able to achieve mastery over the energies that are represented by that particular form of God.
Thus, the clusters of energies which manifested early in the creation are the Gods that we worship. They are the first beings of the Creation. Because they come directly from the fundamental energy, the manifestation of pure consciousness in these beings is very clear and nearly complete. They are referred to by different names such as Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara etc. It is because of these Gods that the cycle of creation is perpetuated. The scriptures have referred to them as ‘endowed with knowledge’.

The next generation of beings endowed with consciousness and wisdom are the Rishis. Rishi is he who can ‘see’ knowledge on his own. Although they are not fully endowed with knowledge by birth, they can attain complete knowledge with minimum effort. They will then be able to ‘see’ for themselves the Tattva of the fundamental energy. Therefore they are called as ‘seers’.

The beings that manifest as the next generation of energies to take part in Creation are called ‘Prajapatis’. The Puranas describe them as those who undertook penance to acquire energy required to expand Creation.

None of the above beings have physical bodies. They are either in the form of Shakti (energy) or Tejas (light). Whatever their form, even they have Antahkarana (inner instruments). They do think. They do have life. Therefore, our mythological scriptures have described them to be the inhabitants of a separate world – the Deva Loka (celestial world). Deva literally means light.

Physical Creation (made of the five elements) was started by the Prajapatis. In this creation, different beings such as animals, humans and others were created. The first humans were born with slightly less energy than those groups of energies responsible for their creation. Their creation was entirely due to the Samkalpa of the Prajapatis. Because they were the mental creation (creation through Manas) of the Prajapatis, they are called as Manavas (manava=man, human being).

Subsequent steps in continuation of Creation were brought about by coupling (of masculine and feminine aspects). Such coupling took place in other forms of animals too. Because of the predominance of mind, human beings are called as Manavas. These human beings, who were born as a result of coupling, were endowed with less energy than those who were born out of the Samkalpa of Prajapatis.
It was mentioned above that Prajapati created different beings such as animals, humans and others in the process of Creation. This theory does not agree with the contemporary thinking, which holds that a human can give birth to another human being; a tiger can produce only a tiger and not any other animal. A same being can not be responsible for producing offsprings of different genera. How then can it be true in Prajapati’s case?

It should be borne in mind that the Prajapatis did not engage themselves in coupling. Their method was different. They created through the mind. In other words, the creation was purely on account of Samkalpa in their mind. How is this possible?
It has been stated earlier that the process of Creation is without a beginning. In this beginningless Creation, there are some Jeevis (beings) who have left their earlier bodies and are eagerly waiting to take on another body. By doing so, they will be able to evolve and continue their journey towards Paramatma. This is where the Samkalpa of Prajapatis become relevant. Prajapatis ensure – through their Samkalpa – that those beings take on the forms (physical and mental) that are suitable for their onward journey. Thus, due to their Samkalpa, the eagerly waiting Jeevis take on different forms – such as animals, humans etc., as per their necessities.
It has been mentioned that humans are predominantly mental beings. It has also been said that the waiting Jeevis take on not only the appropriate bodies, but also take on appropriate minds. What is meant by taking on a mind?

Although the basic structure of all human beings is alike, their mindsets are different. Some are inclined towards extremism while some others are inclined towards austere practices. What causes such difference? It is due to the mind they possess.
It is true that no two humans think completely alike. However, about a century ago, young people all over the world were more polite than the present youth. All of us accept this. If we were to classify the mindset of all people living about a century ago, we can safely qualify the minds as ‘calm’.

If we extend such methods to the past millions of years and broadly divide that period in to four main ages (namely Krita Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga and Kali Yuga), we can see that the beings living during the Krita Yuga had more inclination for Dhyana (meditation). This does not mean that there was no variety in the mindsets. It only means that the cardinal feature of the minds of those living in that era was inclination towards Dhyana. Similarly, the cardinal mental predilection of the beings of the next era, i.e., Treta Yuga was towards observance of good deeds. In the subsequent era (Dvapara Yuga), people were inclined more towards worship. In the Kali Yuga, the mental inclination is more towards acquiring riches. These are not mere assumptions. These are the recorded findings of Maharshis, who are capable of outliving the Kalpas (Kalpa = 1000 Yugas).

It has been said that the cardinal feature of the minds of beings living during the period of Krita Yuga was that they were more inclined towards meditation. What does this imply? If we analyse the statement properly, we can deduce that the Jeevis who were destined to be born during that age had the Karmic residue that was conducive to that particular Yuga. In other words, the age of Krita Yuga attracts into human form and mindset only those beings who need to continue their journey through the practice of Dhyana.

It was mentioned that when the time of creation comes, the Jeevis, as per the Samkalpa of Prajapatis are drawn into physical forms. Not all beings deserve the same form. Some deserve human form, while some others deserve animal forms. Still others may be required to take other forms of life. Thus, it is quite possible that different forms of life can manifest simultaneously at the beginning of physical creation.

Because of the complexity of the Karma of these beings that have taken birth, sometimes these manifest beings have to face many hardships. Because of these hardships the human race will sometime lose the valuable knowledge handed down by the Prajapatis and tend to behave like animals. Just like animals, they even start living in forests.

When such fate befalls mankind, Prajapatis and Maharshis, out of immense compassion decide to give help. By their sheer power of Samkalpa, they evoke new thoughts in the minds of human beings and thereby, lead them to the path of physical and spiritual knowledge. Among the beings who have taken to forest life, those who have better disposition as far as Samskara (past tendency) is concerned will be able to immediately grasp and pursue the scientific thoughts kindled on account of the Samkalpa of the compassionate Maharshis and Prajapatis. They will also realise that the thought processes taking place in their minds are nothing but the rays of knowledge that is being spread from the past. Considering those beings of the past as their Gurus, these chosen ones acquire knowledge and wisdom. Those who are not able to realise the origin of the thought processes tend to become egoistic and derive happiness by thinking that they are the pioneers of scientific thinking.

At this juncture, if a research minded person sets out to understand the evolution of human beings, he will be able to understand only as far as that stage in evolution when human beings had taken to forest life. He will not be able to go beyond that stage and comprehend the scheme of creation. We can now see as to why the prevalent theories of evolution are not entirely satisfactory.

Although the process of Creation itself is beginningless, the evolution of man, which is a part of Creation, takes new turns according to the mindset (which is in turn dependent on the particular era). In other words, the crucial turns that the human race takes are dependent on time (era). So say men of wisdom.
Keeping this as its central theme, the following Sookti explains the importance of time (time in this context refers to era)

Balaadiva vikrishyante kaalena jana buddhayah
Nanu dooraat vikeeryante vaatyayaa vana paadapaah
(Time strongly attracts the minds of people.
Does not a hurricane uproot even a deep-rooted forest tree?)

Without the background of the preamble laid out till now, one will not be able to grasp the real meaning of this Sookti. One may think that the central theme of the Sookti is to say, "all faults that men commit are due to the influence of time". Even the second half of the Sookti seems to support this. If this were to be the real purport, the Sookti does not serve any purpose.

In order to indicate that this is not the true purport, the word ‘iva’ (in the word Balaadiva) has been used. It means that it appears as though time forcibly attracts the minds. In the light of such interpretation, we should understand the depth of the meaning hidden in this Sookti. We have already tested the depth of the Sookti in the preamble.

Kala (time) appears as though it forcibly draws the minds towards it. In reality, it does not. If so, what then is the relation between time and mind? If we consider a particular period of time, the mindsets of beings of that particular era display a particular similarity. Such similarity itself is the relationship between time (era) and the mind. What is the use of this relationship? To indicate as to which era is suitable for which type of Sadhana that the mind has to undertake to reach higher realms is the real purpose of that relationship.

Some analysts believe that mankind is undergoing constant evolution and that generation by generation the level of knowledge is increasing and that after some generations, divinity will be achieved automatically. They also believe that achieving divinity is predetermined and is independent of any effort. This theory holds good only for those who are in the spiritual path.

In the beginning of the manifest creation, those beings created with physical bodies by the Prajapatis could easily have enlightenment through Dhyana. Such a style of life (necessary for divine lifestyle) came to them naturally. In the subsequent era, i.e., Treta Yuga, men had to perform good deeds in order to achieve concentration of mind. During the ensuing era (Dvapara Yuga), men had to be taught the path of Bhakti. The conflict between Dharma and Adharma had reached a peak during that era. In the Kali Yuga, the importance of Dharma declined. Egoistic tendency became predominant. Therefore, the Gurus of Kali Yuga had to device novel methods to establish Dharma.

It is clearly evident that mental ability and mental purity have followed a downward trend from the Prajapati’s creation to the present Kali Yuga. Therefore, the Almighty has been incarnating from time to time in every Yuga to lead the deserving beings to noble path. What is the fate of others? In this endless process of Creation, those beings will remain dormant, waiting for an opportune time when they can assume a physical form. In the meantime, if the Krita Yuga returns, Jeevis for whom that era is conducive will take the physical form. This is the indisputable truth about Creation.
Why is the above Sookti drawing our attention to this Truth? The Maharshis, who are Chiranjeevis (those who live forever), Sanatana Gurus (eternal Gurus), have laid down spiritual guidelines in the form of Smritis (Vedas) for the benefit of those who take birth during different eras. By following those spiritual guidelines, one will not be washed away by the powerful flood called time and, more importantly, one will easily reach the fundamental energy responsible for Creation.

By comprehending the deep meaning of this Sookti, may the seekers understand the path ordained by the Maharshis and the Sanatana Dharma taught by the Gurus and achieve great spiritual heights.

Sri Swamiji