Evolution is often linked to the growth of spirituality or enlightenment by many who try to establish a link between science and religion. Evolution, which in scientific terms means biological evolution represented specifically by Darwin’s theory of evolution, is loosely used by many to refer to the growth of information and knowledge that is then wrongly presumed to lead to an expanded consciousness, spirituality or enlightenment in time.
This is also misrepresented by some as the “Evolutionary Consciousness”, wherein the biological consciousness (mind or ego) is mistaken as the spiritual or universal consciousness.
There are some serious flaws in these misrepresentations based upon a lack of understanding of the integrated, non-paradoxical, and universal scientific as well as spiritual concepts. The differences between the two – evolution and enlightenment need to be understood to develop a thorough understanding of the secular or genuine spirituality.
The term “Evolution” in the following refers to Darwin’s theory of evolution:
Evolution is of the body (genetic mutations/adaptations); enlightenment is of the mind (psyche).
Evolution (change) creates time; enlightenment dissolves time.
Evolution is translation; enlightenment is transformation.
Evolution is the struggle for outer bodily survival; enlightenment is love for inner revival.
Evolution is relative to the environment (duality); enlightenment is absolute Oneness (non-duality).
Evolution enhances ego or bodily identity; enlightenment dissolves ego.
Evolution is domination over others; Enlightenment is union with others.
Evolution is to attain superiority; enlightenment is to cultivate humility.
Evolution is of the species (crowd); enlightenment is of the individual.
Evolution promotes knowledge; enlightenment cultivates wisdom.
Evolution generates information; enlightenment cultivates awareness.
Evolution enhances intelligence; enlightenment nurtures intuition.
Evolution creates complexity; enlightenment creates simplicity.
Evolution resides in fragmentation/multiplicity; enlightenment resides in unity.
Evolution creates entropy (suffering); enlightenment dissolves entropy.
Evolution is driven by the fear of extinction; enlightenment is driven by the joy of eternity.
Evolution enhances bodily consciousness; enlightenment nurtures universal consciousness.
Evolution is driven by hostile environment; enlightenment is friendly free-will.
Evolution may bring temporary happiness; enlightenment brings contentment.
Evolution may bring material rewards; enlightenment brings meaning.
Evolution is rooted in sex; enlightenment is rooted in love.
Evolution is of the primate being; enlightenment is being human.
Evolution is fighting for a prolonged survival; enlightenment is being of the eternal existence.
Well, all this tells us that the so-called “Evolutionary Consciousness” and “Evolutionary Enlightenment” are nothing but oxymorons defying the universal understanding of the genuine science as well as spirituality.
The above facts are not to suggest that evolution is not a relative or scientific reality, but to make one aware of not mistaking evolution as a path to the spiritual enlightenment or universal consciousness.
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