If you look at evolution, our ancestors had a very simple ( maybe peaceful too) mind and life. They had to hunt for food. Take care of make and continue their generation
They could not be bothered by complex ways of lighting a fire or heat
As far as evolution in religion is concerned most people have a very simple idea of God. A mighty figure, looking like a human, can do anything and quick to reward and punish. And when we die he will deliver judgement. People believe all they have to do is say i believe in God or recite his name or once in a while listen to a lecture and observe religious holidays and be smug and happy that you have liberation
But as you try to make progress and you think you realize religion talks about a few more things
Purity
Doing good things
Not judging others
Many will feel comfortable in believing that they are pure, they do good things etc. However when you truly want to make progtess, you start to observe your mind
The genius of Patanjali said don’t worry about the label God. Just try to calm your mind. And at that moment, you try to observe your mind. You try to sit in meditation and suddenly are shocked at the millions of random thoughts and emotions that go through the mind. Some good and some bad. And your aghast that you have no control over it. Your imagination that you control the mind or body is no longer true. Your a hostage to your own mind. You have no Peace. Thoughts of anger, hostility, ego, food, money, sex are constantly on your mind.
So it is said sign of progress is to know your own weakness first. How can you get better if you can’t cleanse your own mind.
It is like water and dirt in a glass. The dirt is settled in the bottom and you think the mind / water is clear. The moment you try to empty the glass, and empty it , the dust that is settled muddies the water. This is the example Yogananda have to his Brother.
Anyway this is normal process of progress
Bhavin