Outlines of Indian Philosophy c19.44

c19.44

(iv) The scheme indicates only what we may describe as primary evolution. Evolution does not stop at it. It goes further on as is shown, for example, when pṛthivī is transformed into a tree² or a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. This secondary evolution is in fact what we are familiar with and what takes place within any single period of evolution. When an object that has evolved in this sense breaks up, it is reduced to the form of the gross elements and the process of dissolution does not extend beyond except when the evolutionary period in question itself comes to an end. Primary evolution is described as the differentiation into distinct principles (tattvāntara-pariṇāma)¹; but what constitutes distinctness is not well defined. It is clear, however, that this amounts to a recognition of grades or degrees in change.