Vedic Cosmology

Hinduism is the only religion from the old world that recognises how ancient the universe really is. They describe a universe in flux, constantly shifting to the ebb and flow of life, death and rebirth. The ancient system depicts four major cycles that govern our cosmos:

1. DIVYA-YUGA = 4.3 Million Year Cycle
2. MANVANTARA = 306 Million Year Cycle
3. KALPA = 4.3 Billion Year Cycle
4. BRAHMA = 311 Trillion Years (the Life of the Creation God)

Each cycle is characterised by a creative origin, followed by an immense life-span, culminating in a destructive end time. Incredibly, its time scales often correspond to those of modern cosmology. Carl Sagan, an eminent astrophysicist, said this of Hinduism:

"A millennium before Europeans were willing to divest themselves of the Biblical idea that the world was a few thousand years old, the Mayans were thinking of millions and the Hindus billions.”

The attached chart offers many interesting parallels between the ‘Eternal Cycle’ of Hinduism, and the immense time-span of modern cosmology. Here are 5 key Points:

• 1 Kalpa (a day of Brahma) equals 4.3 billion years, roughly the same age as the Earth (4.5 billion years).

• 3 Kaplas (three days of Brahma) amass to 13 billion years, close to the age of our universe (13.8 billion years).

• The current Divya-Yuga began 4.3 million years ago, which runs parallel to the emergence of our human antecessor, Ardipithecus ramidus. It appears that at the final stage of Manu’s creations (known as the Manvantara), humans will play a key role on the world stage.

• The final stage of the Yuga Cycle, known as the Kali-Yuga, began 432,000 years ago, which in historical terms marks the emergence of our own kind (Homo sapiens). Is it possible that Kali’s final era of destruction is in some way tied in with the fate of humanity?

• The latest Manvantara Cycle began 306 million years ago, originating in the Carboniferous era, a time when early life had colonised the lands and flourished. After running for over 305 million years, the cycle will draw to a close in the next couple of centuries. Scientists believe that going by current trends, this era will be marked by a mass extinction brought about by human activity (i.e. pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, and over-harvesting (hunting & fishing).

The parallels between ‘The Eternal Cycle’ of Hinduism and modern cosmology may appear as just coincidence, but there is a strong message to be learnt from both systems. Humanity is nearing a tipping point where the majority of the Earth's species could be lost due to the proliferation of our kind. If we don’t do something soon to reverse this crisis, then the mythical 'End of Days' may one day become a reality