Diversity Q & A

What are your thoughts on evolution?

Sujato

The modern theory of Evolution, of course, did not exist when the Buddha was alive, so we don't really know what he would have said!  But the general idea of Evolution is basic to Buddhism.  Buddhists don't believe in a Creator.  We believe that the universe and everything in it comes about, evolves, and changes according to natural principles.  Buddhism also says that there is no point in talking about an ultimate first beginning of the universe, as we can never really know anything about that.  All we can do is look at the world around us and try to understand it.