by Raffael A. Ferri PhD

Created on: October 14, 2010   Last Updated: October 15, 2010

There are all kinds of phrases and paraphrases used to describe karma. All of them appear to require "belief" or "faith" of some kind to accept the cause and effect. Let's look at the scientific activity that may help describe karma.

Communication is an attribute that stems from our ancestor's evolutionary process. When Homo Erectus stood up, he paved the way for our vocal system to develop as well as brain enlargement. Up untill then, karma was a function of nature and our ancestors adapted accordingly. Once humans began to "think" humans began to affect nature.

Our thinking process provoked our actions and our actions provided the consequences. Somehow, we began to relate actions done unto others with consequences arriving to actions. The two are separate. The mechanisms are the same but the two are unrelated. However, one would not exist without the other. Perhaps that is what makes it confusing.

Let's consider the brain. Food and thought contribute to our development. Chemical impulses to the brain form our actions. When certain factors contribute to the chemical impulses they may affect the methodology applied in conversation, action or non-action. Where clear actions have no contradicting chemical impulses, actions are completed with no ill effects. Unclear actions, however, carry contradicting impulses and subconsciously promote actions that result in negative responses.

For example: Suppose you decided to steal an item from the store. Brain impulses will allow you to commit the action; however, your conscious creates contradicting impulses and actions follow from those impulses. You are only aware of the initial impulses and not aware of the subconscious route already in play. You will behave in ways that brings about the subconscious concerns and literally biting you in the proverbial "butt". Although this is a very elementary analogy, it is the basis for all contradicting impulses. Some developments take a long time to come to fruition and this results in our inability to connect the event(s).

"Guilt will eat away at you" is an expression we've all heard in one form or another. This is the contradicting impulses within the brain cells that contribute to this effect. If we were to acknowledge an intended disparity immediately, we would not do disparaging things as often. Even the Bible (Torah Exodus: 34;7) makes reference to when and how long some re-action to an action may take place. And, even if you are not religious, consider Buddhism and Zen as references for the same. In essence, all is philosophical and contrary to many scientists, philosophy was perhaps the first of sciences.

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