Wow, this is getting good

in response to a question posted by a classmate... but before that,
I can't be sure, but the blog says that several of these posts have been viewed?
I never expected an audience, but I hope you find it worth reading...

Re: Dissolution of the World in Visnu: Class and Rachelle

posted by zzzzz

Aug 06, 2014, 7:27 PM

Here lies a question for me...I understand that mythology is based on historical events, and can be described in different allegories, but looking at the way each culture believes, I see so many similarities in a bunch of religions, especially when we talk about Vishnu.  

The apocalypse according to Vishnu will be the harbinger of death and destruction. The tenth and the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu is supposed to be called Kalki. He will be the apocalyptic horse rider who will bring the close to the existing Kali Yuga.  They also uphold some basic principles that eventually, good reins victorious over evil. To end the evil, the Hindu Gods take avatars or incarnations in human or animal forms.  

Can we place the characters in the myths/stories with Christian names and events?  Is this where the truth lies?  Can we always leave it open to interpretation? Do you all see where my thought process is going?  

c

Hi zzzzz,

First, you must ask yourself if you are seeking truth or are you looking for academic understanding.  If you seek academic understanding, then personal interpretation and the effective expression of it stands on its own merits.  If you are seeking truth, then there opens many more avenues to consider and greater importance.  So, can we know truth? I think this is a matter of observing the world of nature around us and above us.  Ask yourself, did all this come about naturally, or was there a first cause?  It is hard to walk away from that question without the tainting of outside influence, but if you simply set all previous notions aside and consider the complexity of the simplest life form and the mathematical probability of random spontaneous generation, it might actually be more plausible to conclude that there is a first cause beyond our ability to ever gain sufficient understanding or explaining.  For the sake of argument, if there is a creator, is it possible he would have a reason for creating?  If the creator wanted to communicate with his creation, is it possible he has the means to do so?  If the creator sent a message to his creation, is it possible he has the means to record and preserve that communication for later generations? Finally, if all these things are possible, and you are seeking truth, it is all important for determining where and how that truth may be found.  

One final thought to consider.  Don’t you find it a little peculiar that all around the world, there is a myth of destruction by a flood?  Vesuvius gives another means of destruction, so why are there not myths of a plethora of causes for disaster?  Is this a hint that there may be more truth to this myth than we are willing to cross the geology professor over?  Just a little food for thought, hope it helps. (unless it’s all about the grade, hmm?)