Humanity: A Transitional Species, a Mankind of Hearts, and the Search for Redemption
Throughout history, the evolution of humanity has been a subject of profound inquiry and fascination. A phrase that encapsulates this concept is “transitional species”. This title resonates deeply with the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and his co-worker the Mother, who perceive humans as beings that are neither purely animal nor divine, but rather in a state of transition.
What Influenced This Choice of Phrase?
The vision and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother provide a rich foundation for understanding humanity’s role in the grand scheme of evolution. According to these thinkers, human beings are a species that has bridged the gap between the animal world and divine realms. It is a species in the process of transition, rather than having reached a pinnacle. They argue that evolution cannot stop at the imperfect stage of human rationality; a new, radically different species will emerge, with humanity relegated to a secondary status.
This concept is extrapolated further in an amusingly humorous manner; someone from Germany once wrote to Sri Aurobindo that future species might view humans with the same skepticism as we do about dinosaurs. However, this does not diminish the unique position of humanity, as it can both cooperate and accelerate evolutionary processes.
Living in the Moment of Acceleration
We are currently witnessing a period of rapid evolution, a time described by Sri Aurobindo as “The Hour of God.” The present moment is characterized by a unique synergy where humanity’s role in accelerating its own evolution is more pronounced than ever before. This period of transition is also marked by an unparalleled challenge, where the best and worst of human nature coexist.
The Human Condition
The “Human Condition” is a term that encapsulates the complexities of human existence. It is marked by moments of profound joy and love, but also by profound sadness and suffering. This duality is the essence of human experience. The idea of a savior emerges from this condition, serving as a source of hope and comfort in the face of overwhelming adversities.
The presence of a savior, either divine or human, is often seen as essential for making sense of this tumultuous existence. In the absence of such a figure, the vast array of emotions, both the heights of compassion and the depths of cruelty, can become bewildering. It is this weight of responsibility that compels many to seek a higher purpose, a divine entity to explain and guide.
A Man of Humanity: Those with their Heart in the Right Place
A truly “man of humanity” is one who possesses a heart that is in the right place. Such individuals embody the qualities that define true humanity. These include traits such as care, compassion, benevolence, and charity. When someone’s heart is in the right place, the natural outgrowth is a life filled with these virtues.
The State of the Planet
The state of the planet, as glimpsed through the lens of ancient history, is another interesting facet of our existence. Images and scientific evidence have shown that the Earth was once a very different place, with vast landmasses and oceans that today are just beginning to be understood. For example, the image of how the Earth looked eons ago reveals a world vastly different from what we know today. It hints at the vast changes and transitions that our planet has undergone, much like the ongoing transformation of humanity itself.
These transitions underscore the idea of a eternal journey of evolution, where humanity continually seeks redemption, understanding, and a better, more harmonious existence.
Key Takeaways:
Transitional Species: Humans are neither purely animal nor divine; we bridge these realms. Human Condition: A complex amalgamation of joy and suffering, human virtues, and the great challenge of existence. Redemption: The continuous search for balance, compassion, and evolution.