Introduction
If you are wondering about the title and puzzling about how it is possible to know Newton’s theory of ‘Action Equals Reaction’ much earlier than reading it either in schools or somewhere, your concern might be right. But as a Hindu, I never wondered how I was familiar with the theory much earlier than learning it from science textbooks.
However, If you are thinking that the almighty God gifted me with a super brain, I will definitely say no! I am alike any other kid in this world and like me, every kid in India and abroad who has been raised with Hindu Practices is aware of this theory well before learning it in school. So how it is possible? find where this amazing revelation comes from in this beautiful article that no one will ever tell you.
Understanding Newton’s Theory Of Action Equals Reaction
‘Sir Isaac Newton’ was a reputed scientist well-known over the globe for revolutionizing science through his experiments and theories. He proposed three laws of motion where in the third law he stated that ‘for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction’. It means that whenever there is an action on a body by another body, the body exerting force on another body will also experience the same force by the second body as the reaction on it.
Let us understand it through Examples - consider A and B two bodies where A when exerts a force on B, and will experience the same force by B as a reaction. It concludes that Action Equals Reaction, and applies to all objects always. Meanwhile, you can learn about the other laws of motion here on the official website of NASA Glenn Research Centre.
The image below is a perfect illustration of how Newton’s Theory works. When the rocket exerts thrust (Action), the missile goes upward as a reaction to thrust.
Image: Illustration Of Newton's Theory
How Did I Know Newton’s Theory Much Before Reading It In School?
In the above lines, you learned about Newton’s Third Law Of Motion very well in which Newton said that action equals reaction. Now, I would like to tell you my story of when I felt Newton’s theory and my grandfather’s words connected.
Rolling out to my childhood memories, I was one of those fortunate kids who learned so many stories from their grandfathers and grandmothers like moral stories, Jungle Stories, the angel's stories, and many more. The stories are not aimed at entertainment only but also to pass some key values to our characters through fun.
Every story conclude with some great lessons and many a time it happened when I found my grandpa saying in the end that this..this…or…this fate of some A, B, C character is the consequences of his karma. It means that the character is responsible for his actions and what he experiences in the end - a happy ending or a sorrowful - is the result of his past actions.
Now isn’t it the same theory that Newton proposed and my grandfather taught us? Yes, of course, they are the same but with different applications. You can call it the two faces of the same coin. They have their applications and uniqueness. But before learning the differences, learn first about the ‘Theory Of Cause & Effect’ or ‘Karma’ that will help you grasp the core concept of both teachings.
Karma
The concept of Karma, in Hindu philosophy, is deeply rooted and widespread in a common Hindu’s daily practices. Even an illiterate person with not much formal education or religious education understands the core concept of Karma very well. They follow its concepts and doctrines which is centered around the theory that every action has a reaction and therefore what goes around comes around to you.
Take for example, If your actions are right and you do good for others, things will go well also with you. On the contrary, if your actions are harmful to others, your karma will also impact you negatively.
A Hindu Kid is raised with these values (Teachings of Karma) since childhood by their parents and this is the reason why I have told in the beginning that every other Hindu kid like me is well aware of Newton’s ‘Action Equals Reaction’ theory before they read it in school.
Image: Lotus As Symbol Of Karma In Hinduism
The law of Karma is interlinked with various other teachings of Hindu Philosophy such as Cause & Effect, the theory of Causation, and, Rebirth. Rigveda is the oldest written scripture in which the concept of Karma has been explained in detail. Lord Krishna himself, teaches Arjune of Karma while delivering the lessons of ‘Bhagavad Gita’. Therefore, If you wish to explore more and learn about Karma in-depth, you can refer to these works as they will work best for you.
Principle Of Karma And Newton’s Theory: The Difference
The principle of Karma and Newton’s Theory of ‘Action Equals Reaction’ can seem alike but differ very much. They differ because they apply with different perspectives and have different application terms. Where Newton’s theory applies to a mass body and deals with some kind of force and energy as action, the Principle of Karma is philosophical and is based on an individual’s action through their thoughts, words, and choices. Hence, there is a difference in terms of practicality between the two theories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I learned how the Hindu Philosophy of ‘Action Equals Reaction’ and many other Hindu principles tell the same truth as modern science says but with different perspectives. In a world, where the evolving principles of modern science challenged other religion’s (Christianity or Islam) doctrines and proved them wrong, Hinduism is the only religion whose doctrines were proven to be right by modern science always.
The Hindu beliefs and philosophies are purely scientific and are relevant completely in modern times and therefore, I believe we must not lose such a precious asset ever. We should focus on Vedas, Hindu Literature, Scriptures, Sacred texts, etc., and read them to extract the pearls from them. Thank You for reading till the last line!
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