DHAMMA ABOARD EVOLUTION : A Buddhian Scientific Study of the Aggañña Sutta in relation to Western Science

Description

Dhamma Aboard Evolution explores the profound insights of the Agganna Sutta (Digha Nikaya 27), one of the most significant Buddhist texts for understanding the cosmological vision of early Buddhism. This remarkable book provides readers with a clear and comprehensive account of the Buddha’s teachings on the origins of life, the natural history of our planet, and the emergence of human society and governance. It is a work that brings together timeless Buddhist wisdom and the universal human quest for understanding our place in the cosmos.

At the heart of this book lies the Agganna Sutta, where the Buddha presents a detailed explanation of how life on Earth evolved, not in the sense of modern science alone but through the lens of spiritual insight and moral philosophy. The text discusses how the world comes into being, how living beings emerge, and how societies are formed. It also provides a moral foundation for understanding human progress, showing how spiritual principles guide not just personal conduct but also the structure of civilizations.

What makes Dhamma Aboard Evolution so compelling is its ability to bridge ancient wisdom with modern curiosity about life’s beginnings and the evolution of society. Readers will find a fascinating narrative that takes them back to the earliest phases of Earth’s history as explained in Buddhist thought. The Buddha’s description begins with a luminous, self-sustaining world where beings live in harmony, free from suffering and conflict. As time progresses, desire and attachment begin to take root, leading to materialization, individuality, and eventually the formation of families, communities, and political systems. This natural unfolding shows how moral and spiritual laws underpin the rise and fall of civilizations.

The book carefully examines the Buddha’s vision of cosmic and social evolution, making it accessible to modern readers who may be new to Buddhist philosophy. It also reveals how the Agganna Sutta provides a spiritual interpretation of human history, offering answers to fundamental questions:

• How did life begin?

• What led to the emergence of human society?

• Why do moral and ethical values matter in shaping civilizations?

In a world where science and spirituality often appear divided, Dhamma Aboard Evolution demonstrates that early Buddhist teachings present a holistic understanding of existence. The Agganna Sutta does not conflict with rational thought but rather complements it by addressing the ethical and spiritual dimensions of human development. It suggests that true progress comes not only from material advancement but also from cultivating compassion, wisdom, and moral responsibility.

Another key theme of the book is the role of Dhamma (the Buddha’s teachings) as a guiding force in human affairs. As societies evolve from simple communities to organized states, the Buddha emphasizes the importance of righteousness and ethical governance. Kings and rulers, according to the Sutta, are meant to serve the people with fairness and justice, guided by moral principles rather than greed or power. This timeless message remains relevant today, reminding readers that the health of any society depends on the virtue and integrity of its leaders and citizens alike.

Written in clear and engaging language, Dhamma Aboard Evolution invites readers to reflect deeply on the connections between the cosmic order, the natural world, and human society. The book shows that Buddhism offers not just personal spiritual guidance but also a framework for understanding humanity’s collective journey. It encourages readers to see the bigger picture of life—how actions, desires, and moral choices shape not only individual destinies but also the fate of entire civilizations.

With its focus on the Agganna Sutta’s cosmological and ethical teachings, this book will appeal to a wide audience—Buddhist practitioners, spiritual seekers, students of philosophy, and anyone interested in the origins of life and society. By exploring how early Buddhism explains the evolution of the world and human institutions, readers gain insights that are both intellectually satisfying and spiritually enriching.

Whether you are curious about Buddhist cosmology, the moral foundations of society, or the intersection of science and spirituality, Dhamma Aboard Evolution offers a thought-provoking journey through one of Buddhism’s most important discourses. It is a book that connects ancient wisdom with modern relevance, inspiring readers to reflect on humanity’s past, present, and future through the enlightening words of the Buddha.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR : Venerable Bhikkhu Mihita (former Suwanda H J Sugunasiri), is a US Fulbright Scholar, and a Canadian Buddhist scholar with multidisciplinary academic credentials (BA, MA, MA, Med, PhD) from the Universities of London, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Toronto, he calls himself a CRINTFREETH ‘Creative Interdisciplinary Free Thinker’. Retired Member of the Trinity Divinity Faculty, University of Toronto, and Visiting Professor, University of Havana, Cuba, he is Founder of Nalanda College of Buddhist Studies, Toronto, and Founder/Editor Emeritus, Canadian Journal of Buddhist Studies. He lives in Toronto, Canada.