Book excerpt: Every act is part of the karmic process; bound to have its effect. Karma is considered the all-pervading, universal law of existence. It perhaps finds its greatest relevance in the sentient minds of humans. The karma doctrine cannot be viewed from a religious standpoint; it is relevant to all, regardless of sect, community or beliefs. No one can claim to live life without performing an action – from simple life sustaining activities to highly complex scientific or spiritual enquiry. What we do dictates what we get in this life...and the next…and the next…till we are freed of our karmic burden. Genetic and transmigrating influences are, even today, subjects of research and discussion. The quantum and quality a living being brings from previous karma, if any, is a matter of intense debate, as is the effect that actions may imprint on our conscience. Deliberation on contentious issues is basic to human nature and has been part of human discourse from the dawn of civilisation. The attempt to define karma has consumed immense mental resource over the millennia, along with the search to understand the essential meaning of life. In the vast literature which exists on the subject, pundits from almost every society and religious group in the world, have attempted to explain the significance and validity of karma, or its lack. Though karma is basic to life, its purport remains veiled; deeply relevant yet poorly understood. Self awareness is a feeling of being in the universe; a substance dot in a life-process on the platter of existence, in the paradigm of time and space