On the Origin

This week marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of two men: one an observer, the other a visionary.

Here I will address the observer, Charles Darwin, and what the Buddha taught of the subject of origins.

Darwin was a mild-mannered Englishman who, through observation, revealed a way for scientists to explore the glorious complexity of life, rather than merely accepting it as an impenetrable mystery.

A recent survey indicates that 39% of Americans believe in evolution.

For some, Darwin's work seems to challenge their religion, morality and social tradition.

Why should that be the case?

Let's look at Buddha's view. His teachings have as a central role the concept of skillful and unskillful thoughts, words, and deeds.

He refused to address many metaphysical questions, such as the origins of the universe. He saw them as irrelevant or counterproductive to the task at hand: that of escaping from the stress and suffering inherent in all of our lives. This knowledge is not required for living a skillful life, nor leading a person to Awakening. (That's not to say that scientific discovery is irrelevant; it is very much so. It just isn't relevant to understanding the Four Noble Truths.)

Jesus provided the same general view, when He spoke of the two commandments.

If those of faith focus on these by bringing them into their daily life, how could any scientific pursuit be a threat?