Thompson begins this lecture by listing the symptoms of Kali Yuga described in the Puranas. For example, the Puranas state that during this age, “social status is gained simply by wealth,” and “justice is obtained only by power.” Thompson then expands the discussion by touching upon a variety of concerns including quantum mechanics, epiphenomenalism, Darwinian theory, and the concept of achinya-bedhabedha-tattva.
In a discussion of the historical significance of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Thompson examines a plethora of Puranic topics that help illustrate the rich context of this deeply philosophical tradition.
Thompson considers an alternative model to contemporary Darwinian theory drawn from the Vedic tradition. Thompson presents what he calls the “Bīja Model,” and describes bījas (seeds) as information packets embedded within the creative energy. He suggests that the bīja concept offers comparisons to the modern idea of genes, both being subtle mechanisms capable of generating biological diversity.
