Karma Yoga – Part 2

Does Spirituality Understand Atoms? If God Resides in Every Particle, What Role Does the Atom Play? The universe, our body—everything is made of atoms. Yet, atoms do not die. So, how do we?

Greetings, friends.

Before diving into the deeper aspects of Karma Yoga, such as the fruits of actions, good and bad deeds, it is essential to fully understand the definition and scope of karma. I hope that by reading our previous article, you now have a clear understanding of karma and its encompassing activities.

For those joining us for the first time, I urge you to read the earlier parts of this series before proceeding.

The Role of Atoms and Energy in the Universe

Modern science tells us that the entire universe is composed of just two fundamental elements: atoms and energy. The universe operates solely on these two components. According to science, “An atom is a fundamental piece of matter. Everything in the universe (except energy) is made of matter, and thus, everything is made of atoms.”

Atoms existed even before the creation of the universe, exist today, and will continue to exist when the universe ceases to exist. Similarly, energy, like atoms, cannot be created or destroyed; it can only transform from one form to another. Both are eternal and indestructible, merely changing their forms.

Spiritual Parallels: The Indestructibility of the Soul

The teachings of spirituality, especially in the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga, echo this understanding.

• In Chapter 2, Verses 13–30, the Gita describes the soul as indestructible. The soul can neither be slain nor does it perish. It is eternal, unborn, and unchanging. Thus, it existed before us, exists now, and will continue to exist after us.
• In Chapter 4, the Gita discusses prana (life force) and how its control leads to meditative absorption. Similarly, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali frequently reference prana, its dimensions, and practices, which later became popular as pranayama. Here, prana is described as energy. While interpreting the Yoga Sutras, Swami Vivekananda clarified that prana is not merely breath but the cosmic energy that pervades the universe. He states, “Prana is the sum total of the universal energy.”

Thus, it is evident that our ancient sages were well-acquainted with the concepts of atoms and energy.

“God Resides in Every Particle”

You may have heard the saying, “God resides in every particle.” Similarly, it is said that every animate and inanimate entity contains life. These beliefs suggest that our ancestors recognized the presence of atoms and their significance.

Science tells us that a single cell in our body contains a trillion atoms, and the number of atoms in a single cell equals the number of cells in our body. Every one to two years, all the atoms in our body are replaced, and every eight to ten years, our cells are entirely renewed.

Yet, despite this constant renewal, we age and ultimately die. Science attempts to explain aging, but the reason for death remains elusive. Spirituality offers a different perspective: the soul, which sustains the body, departs, rendering the body lifeless despite the presence of atoms and energy.

The Mystery of the Soul: Science vs. Spirituality

Science denies the existence of the soul, arguing that it cannot be detected through X-rays or similar means. However, science also acknowledges that our body is composed of 99% atoms. If we cannot see atoms, which are the very building blocks of our being, how can we expect to see the soul, which is subtler than atoms?

Just as the existence of atoms is felt, so too is the presence of the soul.

A Practical Approach to Karma

Some of you may think that this discussion has deviated from karma and Karma Yoga. However, this exploration of atoms and spirituality is necessary to grasp the foundations of karma. Understanding these principles makes it easier to comprehend the intricate connections between karma, its fruits, and the broader cosmos.

Ancient sages, whom we now revere as divine beings, were in fact scientists of their time. They expanded upon one another’s research, yet somewhere in the last thousand or two thousand years, this scientific inquiry transformed into ritualistic worship. We became entangled in religious formalities, losing sight of the practical teachings of spirituality.

Today, we unquestioningly follow spiritual practices without applying discernment. When we purchase a product, we research its quality, utility, and value. Yet, when it comes to spirituality, we often become blind followers. Why?

This blind faith fosters negative effects on our lives and society. We devote our energy, love, and faith to religious practices and institutions, neglecting our families, relationships, and communities. Consequently, trust erodes, and bitterness spreads. Love becomes superficial, and skepticism dominates our interactions. Negativity feeds upon itself, creating a vicious cycle.

Spirituality as Universal Science

Just as modern science is universal, transcending boundaries of religion or culture, spirituality was once a universal science. However, as it became intertwined with religion, numerous rituals and restrictions emerged. People began to believe that only those who met specific criteria—such as celibacy, renunciation, or adherence to strict dietary practices—could access spiritual truths.

This perception has alienated spirituality from everyday life. While many claim that spirituality and religion are integral to their lives, what they practice often amounts to hollow rituals.

True spirituality, like science, is practical and universal. It is not bound by religion or caste and is meant to be a part of everyday living. Just as science enriches our lives, spirituality, when understood correctly, can transform our existence.

The Need for Positive Thinking

We are often told to eliminate negativity because it is harmful. However, the focus should be on increasing positivity. As positivity grows, negativity naturally diminishes. Negativity cannot be eradicated entirely because it is a part of the universal balance. Even at the atomic level, negatively charged electrons revolve around positively charged protons, with neutral neutrons at the center. This reflects the cosmic truth that negativity is peripheral and fleeting, while balance resides at the core.

Instead of exhausting energy trying to remove negativity, focus on nurturing positivity. Just as adding clean water to a bucket of murky water gradually purifies it, cultivating positivity will clear the negativity within us.

Bridging Science and Spirituality

Our ancestors were aware of atomic structures and their three fundamental particles, just as they understood the interplay of sattva, rajas, and tamas in human nature. They recognized these parallels between the physical and spiritual realms, integrating them into their practices.

Understanding karma requires this comprehensive perspective. When you grasp the fundamentals, the concepts of karmic fruits, good and bad deeds, and their implications become much clearer.

Moving Forward

Friends, I hope this article has deepened your understanding of karma and its connection to the universe. In the next part, we will explore the fruits of karma and delve into the distinction between good and bad karma. Thank you, and until next time—Namaste.