Tag Archives: Weak Nuclear Force

KRUPA – A FORCE TO PRESERVE HUMAN EXISTENCE

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Alpha Orionis, Betelgeuse, a massive Red Supergiant Star is evaporating.

Alpha Orionis, Betelgeuse, a massive Red Supergiant Star is evaporating.

 

THE PHENOMENON OF EXTINCTION  :   

Alpha Orionis, or Betelgeuse is the largest and brightest Star visible to the naked eye near the Constellation of Orion. This mammoth star is slowly evaporating. This massive star is shedding weight and is near end of its life. This red Supergiant star is about 640 light years distant. If this star is now placed at the center of our Solar system, its plume would extend past the orbit of planet Jupiter. Sun towards the end of its life would also evaporate and its expanding plume would totally wipeout all living entities on planet Earth. When we speak about human existence, we need to understand man as a biological species. Like all other living creatures of this planet Earth, man is a mortal being. Whosoever had arrived on this planet, must also depart. Extinction is not merely a past geological event. The reign of Dinosaurs upon Earth ended 65 million years ago and it is marked as Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction Event or K-T Event. Apart from Cosmic Radiation, and Massive Collision events involving asteroids, comets, or other heavenly bodies, there are biological factors involved in the phenomenon of Extinction. Man’s existence depends upon an orderly functioning of the universe. The existence of the Individual(microcosm) is linked to the existence of Cosmos(macrocosm).   

IS MAN BORN FREE  ?   

In Sanskrit literature, the word ‘DAIVAM’ describes ‘FATE’. It conveys the sense of belief in God as the ‘PRIME CAUSE’. If God is in control, man is not free to act as he pleases even in his own defense. We may not be able to conduct experiments and scientifically establish the fact that God is in control. What we clearly understand is that the man cannot govern or rule the cells that constitute his body and define his physical existence. Man is not an independent living entity. Man’s dependence upon external sources of energy, and the biological phenomenon of ‘cellular autonomy’ would not permit man to act as he pleases. Man is not in control of his existence. Man’s capacity to defend his own existence is limited and he continuously faces challenges to his existence from several different directions. If man is truly free, the Universe, the World, and the Society can place no constraints on him. Man is tied down, he is born in shackles without Freedom.   

THE FUNDAMENTAL FORCES :   

The orderly functioning of the universe demands the synchronization of the Fundamental Forces that operate the Universal Order. If there is no ‘ORDER’, the resulting ‘CHAOS’ , or extreme disorder would destroy all living entities. In Physical Science, the Four Fundamental Forces that operate in Nature are described; 1. The Strong Nuclear Force, 2. The Weak Nuclear Force, 3. The Electromagnetic Force, and 4. The Gravitational Force. While these Forces operate all reactions with matter in Nature, we need a Creative Force or Creative Energy to bring into existence each individual living entity which enables the entity to exist in nature as an ‘INDIVIDUAL’ and to live by exploiting other forms of Energy provided by the material Nature known as PRAKRITI.In Sanskrit language this Creative Force or Energy is named as ‘MAYA’ and hence the phenomenal Universe is a manifestation of ‘MAYA’. However, the living entities and all other created entities have no ability of their own to fully defend their state of existence. In Sanskrit language the word ‘KRUPA’ describes the great and powerful Force of ‘DAYA’, or Compassion, Mercy, Grace, and Kindness that sustains, protects and preserves existence of life. ‘KRUPA’ is a great and magnificent Force which enables man to overcome difficulties, get over obstacles and face huge challenges. The Provider of ‘KRUPA’ exists in a state of complete, and perfect ‘BLISS’ called ‘ANANDA’. The thought of ‘KRUPA’ delights human mind and is associated with a sensation of Sweetness and it visually brings the Joy of Spring Season described as ‘VASANT’ or ‘BASANT’which symbolizes creation and rejuvenation. Krupa being Sweet like ‘NECTAR’ and HONEY; when we seek Mercy and Grace; when we ask for Compassion, and Kindness; it not only provides Peace and a sense of Tranquility, it imparts a sense of Pure Joy.   

The Butterfly lives by gathering Nectar.

The Butterfly lives by gathering Nectar.

 

Spring Season is also known as 'MADHAVA'.

Spring Season is also known as 'MADHAVA'.

 

MADHAVA is the Companion of RADHA.

MADHAVA and His Force is personified as His Companion known as RADHA.

 

MADHAVA is the Husband of Madhavi or Lakshmi.

MADHAVA is the Consort of Madhavi or Lakshmi the Force of Compassion.

 

A HYMN TO SEEK ‘KRUPA’ – A FORCE TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT HUMAN EXISTENCE :   

Muukam karoti Vachaalam, panghum langha ya tey girim,   

Yat Krupaa ta Maham Vandey Paramaananda Madhavam.   

I pay obeisance(Vandey) to Eternally Blissful( Paramaananda ) MADHAVA whose Compassion or KRUPA is boundless ( Maham ) and with His Mercy a mute person ( Muukam ) can be transformed into an eloquent speaker ( Vachaalam ) and a physically challenged person ( Panghum ) can easily cross over ( langha ) the mountains ( girim ). This hymn beautifully connects the problems of human condition, the physical limitations imposed upon our fragile state of existence, with a limitless source of energy known as KRUPA which is the manifestation of MADHAVA who brings the Joy of Spring Season and symbolizes sweetness, sugar, honey, or  ’Madhu’, and is constantly accompanied by this energy or Shakti which assumes the form of RADHA or MADHAVI or LAKSHMI.   

SEEK THE EXPERIENCE OF ‘MADHURYA’  :   

We need to constantly remind ourselves about the transient, ephemeral, and fleeting nature of human existence. In our life’s journey, we tend to follow an easy course and tend to avoid facing obstacles. Very often, we behave like a physically challenged person and act as if physically incapacitated due to fear, doubt, and a lack of resolve or indecisiveness. Sometimes, difficulties arise without any prior warning and overwhelm our existence. Many of us remain mute or cannot speak up bacause of a sense of fear or because of sheer ignorance. We may not be simply aware of the dangers that may threaten our existence. We should seek the Force of KRUPA that brings a sense of Joy and imparts the taste of Sweetness known as ‘MADHURYA’. 

Please view the related blog post titled ‘Pain and Compassion – Philosophy of Medicine’ 

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/pain-and-compassion-philosophy-of-medicine/    

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,  

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,  

M.B.B.S.,  Class of  April, 1970.

EARTHLY EXISTENCE – ENJOY THE FRAGRANCE

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“I AM THE ORIGINAL FRAGRANCE OF THE EARTH”-LORD KRISHNA IN BHAGAVAD GITA, CHAPTER 7, VERSE 9 

WHAT IS MATTER ? 

To understand existence, it would be relevant to know about the nature of matter. Matter, either living or nonliving is made up of basic building blocks known as atoms. All atoms contain particles called electrons that carry a negative electrical charge. At the center of the atom lies the atomic nucleus which is composed of two types of particles; the proton which carries both mass and a positive electric charge, and the neutron which has about the same mass as a proton but is electrically neutral. Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the constituents of ordinary matter. But these are only three of a vast number of similar particles which differ only in a few properties such as their mass, electrical charge, and their stability against spontaneous decay. Protons, and neutrons are part of a much larger family of similar objects which are collectively called nucleons. Many of these fundamental particles are combinations of elementary particles popularly known as ‘QUARKS’. 

THE FOUR FUNDAMENTAL INTERACTIONS 

Any influence that causes a collection of particles to undergo some change is known as FUNDAMENTAL INTERACTION. 

All known physical interactions of matter occur through the agency of four basic physical or fundamental kinds of forces. These Four Fundamental Forces, in decreasing order of strength are, the Strong Nuclear, the Electromagnetic, the Weak Nuclear, and the Gravitational forces. Each force has a characteristic strength and a range or distance over which they can exert their effects. The Strong Nuclear force is the strongest force known in nature. Its range is about a distance of 10 to the power of(-)13 cm. It weakens rapidly with distance. The particles of the atomic nucleus are tightly bound by the Strong Nuclear force. The Weak Nuclear force is involved in nuclear decay processes and in interactions involving the fundamental particles called neutrinos. If the Strong Nuclear force between two protons is assigned a strength of 1, then the Electromagnetic, Weak Nuclear, and Gravitational forces between the same two protons have relative strengths of 10 to the power of(-)2, 10 to the power of(-)5, and an incredibly small 10 to the power of(-)40. Thus the effect of Gravitational force on interactions among particles of atomic size is negligible. The Electromagnetic attractive force between a proton and an electron is several (10 to the power of40) times greater than the Gravitational force at the same separation. 

GRAVITATIONAL FORCE 

Gravitation has several basic characteristics that distinguish it from the other Fundamental Interactions. First, it is universal, affecting all forms of matter and energy in essentially the same way whereas all the other interactions directly affect only certain types of particles, for example, Electromagnetic force affects only charged particles. Second, Gravitation is always ‘attractive’, since it interacts with mass-energy which is always positive, whereas Electromagnetic forces can either ‘attract’ or ‘repel’. Third, Gravitation is a long range interaction, Electromagnetism is also long-range, but the Strong and Weak Nuclear forces generally operate only within a distance, the size of an atomic nucleus. Fourth, Gravitation is the weakest of the Four Fundamental Forces with negligible effect on elementary particles. 

Sir Issac Newton made the most significant contribution to Gravitational Theory when he perceived (1666) that the orbit of the Moon depended on the same type of force that causes an apple to fall on Earth. According to Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, Gravity affects all forms of matter and energy, all of which move in Space-Time (SPACE-TIME CONTINUUM). 

Gravity is by far the weakest known force in nature and therefore plays no role in determining the internal properties of everyday matter. Gravitational force becomes appreciable only when at least one of the attracting masses is very large, typically of planetary size. A Gravitational force exerted by the Earth on the Moon keeps it in a circular motion about the Earth. The trajectories of planets in the Solar System are determined by the Laws of Gravity. The revolution of the Earth in relationship to the Sun, the motion of the Sun around the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, and the geometric structure of the universe itself are the results of the Gravitational force. Because of its long reach and universality, Gravity plays a central role in shaping the structure of stars, galaxies, and the entire universe. Hence, it would be correct to claim that Gravitational force is the most pervasive and dominant force in the universe. 

TERRESTRIAL GRAVITATION 

It is the force that tends to draw all bodies in the Earth’s sphere toward the center of the Earth. The fall of bodies released from a height to the surface of the Earth and the weight of resting bodies at or near the surface are the most familiar manifestations of Terrestrial Gravitation. 

Because of the Gravitational force exerted by the Earth’s mass, all bodies have a weight or downward force of gravity proportional to their mass. The word ‘GRAVITY’ is derived from the Latin word ‘gravitas’ which means weight or heaviness. 

Atmosphere, the nearly transparent envelope of gases that surrounds the Earth, profoundly influences the environmental, and the climatic conditions on the planet’s surface. Life could not exist without the physical and chemical processes involving the atmospheric gases. Terrestrial Gravitation is the force that holds the atmosphere in its place. 

EARTHLY EXISTENCE 

Human existence upon planet Earth is possible only because of the Four Fundamental Interactions of matter. All living entities are energy dependent. The primary source of energy is Sun. The Strong Nuclear, the Weak Nuclear, and the Electromagnetic force interactions provide the energy that we need for our Earthly existence. According to the Laws of Nature, this source of energy would eventually bring about disastrous consequences to Earthly existence. The Sun continues to spend its abundant hydrogen fuel and the fuel supply is not everlasting. 

The Gravitational force maintains Earthly existence in two ways. Firstly, it maintains Earth’s relationship with Sun and secondly, it firmly holds the Earth’s atmosphere in its place. The most important effect of Gravity is that it provides us our body weights which help us to appreciate the physical reality of our Earthly existence. 

EARTHLY FRAGRANCE 

Soil is the earthen material that covers land surfaces and is formed by the action of natural physical, chemical, and biotic forces on the rocks and minerals on the Earth’s surface. Among its many important functions, soil serves as a substratum of plant life. It provides the terrestrial home for land based animals and humans. 

This surface layer of Earth has a characteristic fragrance of its own. It could be described as a sweet smell, a pleasant odor. It is not fruity, flowery, or spicy. The volatile compounds that generate this odor should reach our noses and the gas molecules should get dissolved in the nasal mucus and activate the receptors of s
mell sensation. To perceive this scent, the soil should not be too cold and frigid. At cold temperatures, the odor generating chemicals do not get vaporized. The soil should not be too hot, as excessive heat tends to destroy these scent chemicals. The Earthly fragrance is best appreciated after rain showers and also during the Spring Season. This fragrance is unique and makes planet Earth a special place. This scent is original. In nature, all products such as flowers, fruits, and herbs which are fragrant could be easily identified as the fragrance and its source are connected. The individual components of the soil is not the direct source of earthly fragrance.The physical, chemical, and biotic factors that interact to generate this fragrance are not available on any other celestial body in the universe that we know today.The Four Fundamental Forces are united in their purpose to produce this new and original product. The originality of Earth’s fragrance could be deemed as an act of creation. 

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, A.P., India.,

M.B.B.S., Class of April, 1970.