Evolution and Hinduism

I was wondering why Hindus accept evolution more easily than people of other religions. Christians, in particular, seem have to have the hardest time. Creationism and its modern form known as "Intelligent Design" find many takers even today. The idea that human beings and monkeys share a common ancestry is abhorrent to many. The blurring of the distinction between man and beast is a disturbing idea to others.

In contrast, Hindus have a different view towards animals. Many Hindu Gods ride animals (Ganapati - Mouse, Yama - Buffalo, Durga - Tiger) , some Gods and demi-Gods are animals themselves (Hanuman - Monkey, Jatayu - Vulture). Some Gods are half human - half animal (Narsimha - Lion, Ganapati - Elephant). Hindus worship snakes, cows and even rats.

It is believed amongst Hindus that one is born as the lowest of animals, something akin to insects or even lower in the hierarchy of life. Through doing one's duty in each life, is one able to reach the next level when one is reborn. Human beings are considered the final step in this ladder, with them being capable of achieving "Moksha" through performing their duties and good deeds in life. Moksha is the escape from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. An evil person may be reborn as the lowest of the creatures once again so that sins can be atoned for.

An interesting concept in Hindu mythology is that of the "Dashavtaar" or the "Ten Incarnations". These ten incarnation start from marine animals, and reach human beings going through the stages of amphibious animals, mammals, hominids, savage humans, humans setting up civilization, etc. The blog entry, Dashavtaar and Evolution of Life - some parallels explains this is some detail.

The three points mentioned above, give some insight into why Hindus see evolution as nothing to be afraid of. It doesn't go against any of their beliefs and rather it reinforces them to an extent. Emotions of repulsion and disgust are not evoked when a connection is suggested between humans and animals because of the respect towards animals, in general.

As such, I believe Hinduism and evolution to be compatible with each other.