Hinduism recognises the contribution of innumerable factors including various forces of nature, environment and other beings in making one’s life comfortable, or even possible. Every human being who inhabits the earth is supported, in one way or the other, by different components of Mother Nature. To express one’s gratitude for such support and to create awareness towards duties and responsibilities, ancient thinkers formulated the concept of debts (the rinas). One is in debt to various kinds of its benefactors, as they facilitate his life. Of all the debts, three relating to deva, rishi and pitra are considered to be the most important.
Man is obliged to repay deva-rina, the debt to the divine. One’s life is sustained by the interaction of a large number of forces of nature - both material and celestial. Though often taken for granted, their role in the continuation of life is crucial. In the ancient scriptures, they are treated as deities (like vayu-devta, varun-devta, surya-devta etc.). These deities are the varied forms of the Divine. Everyone is indebted to them for their contribution to the cosmic process of life. This debt can be repaid by dedicating oneself to the service of God, which implies taking care of nature and selflessly serving all beings. To view whole of the mankind as equal is an easy way of paying back the deva-rina.
Rishi-rina is the debt owed to the past and the present sages. Mankind is intellectually enriched by all kinds of knowledge accumulated by these men of learning. It is by following the teachings of these sacred souls that one can realise his true nature, and also understand his relationship with the Supreme. It is due to the unfailing dedication of these men of religion, science and medicine etc. that one has all kinds of comfort in life. Society is indebted to these great men and can repay their debt by keeping the torch of knowledge burning from generation to generation. One can, thus, pay back the rishi-rina by preserving, enriching and furthering the knowledge, culture, traditions and moral values inherited by him. One should also try to add to the existing wisdom, in whatever way he can.
Pitra-rina is the debt owed to one’s ancestors. Pitra-rinas can be paid back by living by the good traditions and customs established by the ancestors. One must show due respect to and take proper care of the elders, and inculcate good family values and right religious lessons in the youngsters. One’s parents are the cause of his birth. The debt one owes to his parents can be repaid by producing a progeny that will continue the name of the family. The children must be brought up in such a manner that they further boost the dignity of the clan. Aims and aspirations of the family must be kept alive. One must try to finish the unfinished works of recent or distant ancestors.
In addition to the above three widely accepted debts, some ancient texts have mentioned two other debts namely the debt to humanity at large; and debt to plants, animals and the environment. These debts can be paid back by inculcating an attitude of kindness towards all. One must not only participate in activities relating to the service of human beings but also take care of all other beings.
Chapter three of Bhagavad Gita has described the cosmic wheel of life. Ishvara, the Supreme Lord, has provided man with adequate resources for comfortable living. While partaking these gifts of nature, man is obliged to perform his natural duties, for the furtherance of the cosmic chain. Sri Krishna has compared those who enjoy the gifts of nature without contributing anything in return, to a thief.
No one can pay back fully the debt of gods, the sages, the ancestors or other benefactors. Still, the concept of rinas plays an important role in the life of an individual and society as a whole. It makes one look at the world with a sense of responsibility and urges him to contribute something in return for all the blessings lavished upon him.
The ancient thought of ‘paying back to society’ must apply equally to the contemporary world. Large corporates, big business houses and other high net-worth individuals are obligated to share part of their wealth with the common people, as they owe their riches to them. The rich must consider their contribution not as charity, but as their dharma which must be followed gladly. All of one’s obligations must be fulfilled, not out of any compulsion but out of conviction.
To conclude, everyone living on this earth is indebted to multiple aspects of Mother Nature. One can repay their debts by gladly fulfilling his duty towards them all. This is the way of liberating oneself from all debts. This is the way of attaining freedom of the soul. When these debts are kept in mind and paid back by everyone to the extent possible, there would be all-round peace, progress and prosperity.
