Chandra Bhanu Satpathy

H uman beings are the most evolved of all the species on earth. We have the unique ability to think critically. Because of this, we can examine, deliberate, rationalize and even control nature’s forces. For example, we are able to create electricity from water and manufacture batteries to store this energy. Such abilities are not found in other species. Animals lack the potential to develop their cerebral capacity to the same extent.  Another capacity of human beings which also distinguishes us from animals is the ability to advance spiritually. Through our intellect, we have created the concepts of God and universal consciousness. Our emotional consciousness further supports these beliefs.    Intellect is an energy field that takes on the form of whatever it is associated with. It is the same intelligence which could make a person a dacoit who kills for money or a policeman who could kill in the line of duty. By its nature, intellect is not necessarily powered by devotio...

Science is a revelation of divine power — it manifests by the will of God through a human medium in line with our needs at a particular point in time. It is a misnomer to believe that Science and God are two different things. In keeping with this, Hinduism considers science as an aspect of religion as is advocated in the ancient  Shastras . According to ancient Hindu texts, metaphysics known as  apara-vigyaan , a branch of philosophy, finds its origin in science or  vigyaan.  By sharing common roots. these fields of study are equally considered revelations of the divine. If God and science do not exist in isolation, it raises the question: Is it God or some other force that is behind scientific progress? In ancient times, people believed religious practices held the solution to their problems. To be relieved of their afflictions, some performed fire offerings or  yagna  while other looked to  yogic  practices   and meditation or  sadhana...

Karmic debt is similar to the financial accounting principles of debit and credit. The key difference between the concepts of financial debt versus karmic debt is that accounting debits and credits are expressed in the form of total amounts and they balance each other out on the whole. On the other hand, the positive karmas or punya and negative karmas or paap operate at a more granular level, and manifest themselves in the form of individual items. This means that karmic debts are equivalent to itemized debits and credits we accrue through our life. Accordingly, one has to repay each and every item incurred in one’s present or past lifetime. If we break down the results of our karmas, we will find they could fall into one of the following categories: ·        Some karma phal or the results of our actions from our previous life, which could be exhausted in this lifetime. ·        Some karma phal from this life which...