Introduction: 


Before we begin, I’d like to introduce you to a new feature. If you’d prefer to listen to this blog instead of reading it, simply click here to enjoy it on Spotify.

I started writing blogs back in 2018. It feels like a lifetime ago now, but the memory is still vivid. My first blog was centered around a fascinating idea—one that, to this day, continues to intrigue me. It was the notion that cryptic references exist within religious scriptures, references that, strangely enough, can parallel the scientific knowledge we hold today.

At the time, this idea felt almost radical, like I was stepping into a territory where faith and science, two realms often seen as opposing forces, might actually intersect in ways we hadn’t fully appreciated.

Since then, I've wandered through countless theories and stories, each one adding another layer to my understanding. And if our scriptures are to be believed, time itself moves in cycles, bringing us back to the beginning over and over again. Here we are now, seemingly at the start of another cycle, ready to explore these ideas with fresh eyes.

In this new series, I'll try to do justice to my first blog, where I explored how we can derive the theory of evolution from ancient mythological stories.

Now, why stories? Ever thought about why there aren’t many theories in ancient scriptures, but rather just stories? It’s simple, really. Stories have more "lifetime." They simply live longer. Stories are interesting; they travel from mouth to mouth. Grandmothers tell them to their grandchildren, mothers to their children, and so on. The story continues, carrying with it the cryptic references embedded within, passing through generations like a treasured heirloom.

A story that nearly everyone knows is that of Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatar—the ten incarnations. It's a story that seems like a simple tale, but when you look closer, it’s so much more. Hidden within are layers of meaning, some of which, as we’ll explore, might align with what science has only recently begun to understand.

Vishnu! 

Lord Vishnu, as we all know, is depicted as the preserver of the world. It’s strange how the whole philosophy is so neatly stitched together, making everything fit so perfectly. A preserver of the universe—what could that mean? Well, think about it. What is the use or meaning of this universe without life? This vast, beautiful creation, but with nothing to experience it—does it even truly exist?

In the first place, can we even say something "exists" if there’s no life to experience it? It’s a question that digs deep into the nature of reality itself. So, perhaps, Lord Vishnu can be seen as a symbol of the ultimate consciousness, the very awareness that brings existence to life. And his avatars? They could be representing the smaller forms of life, the steps in the grand journey of consciousness evolving, experiencing, and preserving the universe itself.

The story! 

So, let’s start with today’s real topic—Matsya.

Matsya is said to be the first avatar of Lord Vishnu. As the word suggests, Matsya was a fish. According to the story, the great sage Manu, who is often regarded as the first human or the progenitor of humanity, discovered a small fish in a river. The fish, which was tiny and vulnerable, pleaded with Manu to save it from the larger, more dangerous creatures in the water. Moved by compassion, Manu took the small fish and placed it in a small bowl, intending to protect it.

But the story doesn't end there. To Manu’s surprise, the fish began to grow rapidly. It soon outgrew the small bowl, so Manu transferred it to a larger vessel. But the fish kept growing. No matter where Manu placed it, the fish continued to expand, eventually outgrowing every container Manu could find. Realizing that this was no ordinary fish, Manu took the fish to the ocean and released it there.

At this point, the fish revealed its true identity as Lord Vishnu. Matsya then informed Manu of an impending great flood that would soon engulf the world. Vishnu instructed Manu to build a large boat and gather the seeds of all plants, along with representatives of all animal species, to preserve life after the deluge. When the floodwaters rose, Matsya returned, this time in the form of an enormous fish, and guided Manu’s boat to safety, thus preserving life and ensuring the continuity of the world.

Now, whatever I’ll say might seem confusing and strange at first, but connecting the dots might reveal a deeper meaning.

Connecting dots: 

Life on Earth is believed to have originated in freshwater environments, not in the salty ocean water, which was too toxic for early life forms to develop. The first life forms were likely simple biomolecular structures, often referred to as proto-life, that emerged in the unique conditions of ancient freshwater systems. These early life forms thrived in what we call the "Primitive Continent-Lake-Atmosphere System" on the Hadean continents. 

So, what are the Hadean continents? The Hadean Eon is the earliest part of Earth's history, spanning from the planet’s formation about 4.6 billion years ago to roughly 4 billion years ago. During this time, the Earth's surface was still forming, and the conditions were harsh. However, there were freshwater bodies, such as lakes and small seas, where the primordial life forms could develop. 

Returning to the story of Matsya, the small fish that Lord Vishnu took from the river or ocean and placed in a small bowl might symbolize this primordial freshwater environment. The small bowl represents a controlled, nurturing environment where life could initially thrive, much like the ancient freshwater lakes where early life began.

As the fish grew, it was moved to larger and larger containers, symbolizing the expansion and evolution of life forms from primitive to more complex organisms. This growth in size mirrors the development of life from simple proto-life structures into more advanced forms over geological time.

So, in a way, Matsya’s progression from a tiny fish in a small bowl to a gigantic being guiding Manu’s boat reflects the evolution of life from simple beginnings in freshwater environments to more complex forms. It’s a poetic representation of the journey of life through time, from its humble origins to the diverse and intricate forms we see today.

So, that was all about how theories and stories might correlate with each other. Now, it might just be a coincidence, or perhaps it's just my interpretation of the whole scenario. After all, as humans, we’re allowed to see things differently, to draw connections where others might not. But whether or not these interpretations are entirely accurate, they do show the story from a different, yet fascinating, perspective.

Conclusion: 

However, beyond the scientific part, this story also carries a deep moral value—one that transcends time and culture. It’s the lesson of helping the weak. Manu, the great sage, chose to help the small, vulnerable fish, and in doing so, he was ultimately saved from the great flood. Matsya, in return, guided Manu and preserved life on Earth.

This simple act of kindness—of helping someone or something weaker than yourself—can have profound consequences. As human beings, we live in a society where not everyone is equally powerful, where some are vulnerable and need protection. The story of Matsya and Manu reminds us of the importance of compassion and assistance. It’s a timeless lesson that urges us to look out for one another, to lend a helping hand to those who might be struggling

In essence, the story teaches us that our strength lies not just in our abilities, but in our willingness to help those who are less fortunate. By doing so, we create a ripple effect that not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives, building a stronger, more compassionate community.