“We must not forget that there will come men after us who will laugh at our ideas of religion and God in the same way that we laugh at those of the ancients. The great mistake is in recognising the evolution of the worshippers, while we do not acknowledge the evolution of the Worshipped. He is not credited with the advance that his devotees have made. That is to say, you and I, representing ideas, have grown; these gods also, as representing ideas, have grown. This may seem somewhat curious to you — that God can grow. He cannot. He is unchangeable. In the same sense the real man never grows. But man's ideas of God are constantly changing and expanding. The real man behind each one of these human manifestations is immovable, unchangeable, pure, and always perfect; and in the same way the idea that we form of God is a mere manifestation, our own creation. Behind that is the real God who never changes, the ever pure, the immutable. But the manifestation is always changing, revealing the reality behind more and more. When it reveals more of the fact behind, it is called progression, when it hides more of the fact behind, it is called retrogression. Thus, as we grow, so the gods grow. From the ordinary point of view, just as we reveal ourselves as we evolve, so the gods reveal themselves.” (The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, 2.104-06)
Unpacking the Meaning and Symbolism
1. The Dynamic Dance of Ideas and Belief
Vivekananda’s insight reminds us that while the essence of the divine remains unchanged—immutable and eternal—the ideas and images through which humans understand and relate to that divine are subject to evolution. In other words:
The Worshippers:
Human beings are not static. Our philosophies, beliefs, and spiritual insights evolve over time as we gain more knowledge, experience, and understanding. Just as our science, art, and culture grow with each generation, so do our spiritual ideas.The Worshipped:
The deities and divine forms we create are not the eternal, unchanging reality but rather symbolic manifestations crafted in response to our evolving consciousness. These manifestations, though varied and dynamic, are reflections of an underlying, immutable truth.
2. Symbolism of Change and Constancy
Change as a Sign of Progress:
When new generations reinterpret and expand upon earlier religious ideas, they are not discarding the eternal truth but are uncovering more facets of it. This process is akin to peeling layers of an onion: each layer removed reveals more of the core reality.Constancy Amidst Transformation:
The core, the eternal “real God” or ultimate reality, remains unaltered. Our journey is about moving closer to that unchangeable essence. Thus, while our symbols and stories may transform to resonate with contemporary minds, they always point back to the same enduring truth.
Hindu Thought: Far Ahead of Its Time
1. Progressive Revelation and Open-Ended Spirituality
Hindu philosophy has long recognized that human understanding is not fixed:
- Dynamic Cosmology: Concepts like maya (illusion) and Brahman (ultimate reality) suggest that the world we perceive is a dynamic interplay of the temporary and the eternal.
- Inclusivity and Pluralism: Instead of prescribing a single, immutable path, Hindu teachings have historically embraced multiple approaches to the divine, acknowledging that different eras, cultures, and individuals may require different forms and symbols to apprehend the same truth.
2. Anticipating Modern Scientific Thought
Modern science, with its focus on evolution—whether biological, cultural, or even cosmic—finds resonance with Vivekananda’s insights:
- Evolution of Consciousness: Just as Darwinian evolution explains the growth of life forms, modern psychology and neuroscience demonstrate that human consciousness and cognition are ever-evolving. Our understanding of spirituality, ethics, and the universe develops as our brains and societies evolve.
- The Unchanging Substrate: In physics, while matter transforms from one state to another, the underlying laws remain consistent. Similarly, the divine as an unchanging reality persists even as our representations of it change.
Modern-Day Relevance and Applications
1. Personal Spiritual Growth
Unraveling the Spirit Within:
By recognizing that our ideas of God are reflections of our inner development, we are encouraged to look inward. Spiritual growth becomes a personal journey of self-discovery, where the focus shifts from rigid dogma to continual self-improvement and enlightenment.A Path to Inner Peace:
Embracing the dynamic nature of our spiritual perceptions helps us accept that change is natural. This openness can reduce the frustration of clinging to outdated ideas and lead to a more fluid, peaceful existence.
2. Fostering Interfaith Harmony
Bridging Divides:
When we see religious symbols and deities as evolving representations rather than absolute, unchallengeable truths, it becomes easier to appreciate and respect the diversity of spiritual expressions. This understanding can reduce conflicts that arise from dogmatic assertions and foster dialogue among various religious traditions.Common Ground in Diversity:
Recognizing that all faiths may be offering different windows into the same eternal truth can serve as a unifying perspective in an increasingly globalized world. This mindset promotes tolerance and encourages the exchange of ideas across cultures and religions.
3. Cultural and Social Implications
Adaptability in Tradition:
Societies that view their spiritual traditions as living, evolving systems are better equipped to adapt to new challenges and changes. This flexibility can lead to more resilient communities that honor their past while embracing progress.Innovation in Spiritual Practice:
When spiritual beliefs are seen as evolving, they leave room for reinterpretation and innovation. This openness can inspire creative expressions of faith that resonate with contemporary values and scientific understandings.
Broader Insights
1. A Call for Humility and Continuous Learning
Vivekananda’s message is a humbling reminder: what we hold as eternal truths today may be seen by future generations as but stepping stones toward deeper understanding. This awareness instills a spirit of inquiry, encouraging us to question, explore, and remain open to new revelations.
2. Integration of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Knowledge
The concept that our gods evolve with us is not only a profound philosophical insight but also an invitation to integrate the wisdom of ancient traditions with the advancements of modern science and thought. It encourages a balanced approach where spiritual practices and scientific inquiry support and enrich one another.
3. A Universal Vision for Peace
Ultimately, acknowledging that our spiritual representations are manifestations of our inner journey paves the way for greater empathy and understanding among people of different beliefs. By focusing on the underlying unity behind diverse expressions of faith, we can foster a more harmonious and peaceful coexistence in an ever-changing world.
In essence, Swami Vivekananda’s insight into the “Evolution of the Worshippers and the Worshipped” offers us a timeless lesson: while the forms through which we express our spirituality may change and evolve, the quest for the ultimate, unchanging truth remains the same. This perspective not only enriches our personal spiritual journey but also holds the potential to bridge divides between cultures and religions, nurturing a more tolerant and enlightened global community.