Tirthankaras, Pratyeka Buddhas and the Ascent of Man
Summary
The article "Tirthankaras, Pratyeka Buddhas and the Ascent of Man" by P.C. Das Gupta examines the evolution of early hominids, tracing their physical development from primitive apes to early humans while simultaneously exploring the concurrent emergence of ethical, aesthetic, and spiritual consciousness. The author argues that the ascent of man was not solely a matter of biological and material progress, such as the transition from food-gathering to food-growing, but also involved a profound internal and spiritual evolution. The text presents scientific evidence of human evolution, citing the work of Charles Darwin and Thomas Henry Huxley, and detailing fossil discoveries from locations such as the Indian Siwaliks, Taung, Sterkfontein, Ternifine, Swanscombe, Fontechevade, Heidelberg, Java, and China. It highlights the role of environmental shifts, like the formation of the Himalayas, in driving the evolution of species such as Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus. However, the main argument pivots to the cultural and spiritual dimensions of this ascent. The author suggests that alongside physical development, early humans cultivated a sense of ethics, justice, and beauty. This is supported by evidence from prehistoric art, such as the painted bison at Altamira in Spain and the ritual scene at Cogul near Lerida in Spain. Furthermore, the article draws upon mythological and religious texts to illustrate a deep-rooted reverence for nature and life. It discusses the Egyptian deity Thoth, the exalted position of the monkey in Indian mythology as a cognizance of the Jaina Tirthankara Abhinandananatha, and Buddhist legends concerning the Mahakapi and Upagupta. The text also references the accounts of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-tsang regarding the Monkey Tank near Vaisali. Finally, the author points to the sophisticated spiritual consciousness evident in the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan, citing the famous seal of Siva Pasupati and a sculpted image of a royal philosopher absorbed in meditation.
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Conclusion
The article demonstrates that the ascent of man encompasses not merely physical evolution and survival but also a profound spiritual and cultural awakening. While scientific research traces the biological progression of hominids from ape-like ancestors to early humans, the text argues that prehistoric evidence reveals an equally significant parallel development in consciousness. Ancient art, ritual figurines, and sacred motifs from sites like Altamira, Cogul, and Mohenjo-daro indicate that early humans grappled with existential mysteries, ethical ideals, and the pursuit of beauty. The enduring reverence for monkey figures in Indian and Buddhist traditions, alongside the enigmatic meditative poses at Mohenjo-daro, further suggests that the quest for enlightenment and self-realization was as ancient as the struggle for food. Consequently, the ascent of man is best understood as a holistic journey, integrating both material survival and the early emergence of spiritual introspection and philosophical thought.