Using Mathematical Equations to Communicate and Think About Karma
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Two equations are presented in this article to communicate a particular understanding of karma. The first equation relates future experiences to past and present actions. Although the equation uses variables and mathematical symbols such as the integral sign and summation symbol, it reads more like a literal translation of an English sentence. Based on the key idea in the first equation, a second equation is then created to highlight the viability of using math to communicate concepts that are not readily quantifiable. Analyzing such equations can stimulate thinking, enhance understanding of spiritual concepts, raise issues, and uncover tensions between our ordinary conceptions of external reality and transcendental aspects of spirituality.
Volume
11
Issue
1
First Page
300
Last Page
317
DOI
10.5642/jhummath.202101.14
