The fundamental difference between man and an animal is that whatever an animal does, it does according to the rules of Parama Puruśa, according to its inborn instincts. Whatever a man does, he does according to his will and mental force. An animal lacks a developed mind, and a man has a developed mind. So if a man does not utilize his developed mind, he will be worse than an animal. Because of the individual body, there are psychic differences, caused by various reactive momenta. A man may do something good; he may do something bad also, or he may eventually have recourse to negative pratisaiṋcara.

What is pápa? That which should not be done, if done, is called “pápa”. That which should be done, if not done, is called “pratyaváya.” The collective name of pápa and pratyaváya is “pátaka.” The sins committed by a pátakii are not of very serious nature. The redemption of a pátakii is possible if one, forgetting whatever has been done, takes to the path of spirituality. The second form of a pátakii is atipátakii. This is one who has done permanent physical or mental damage to a particular person. Then the third type is mahápátakii. The sins committed by a mahápátakii are of recurring nature. The best course for an atipátakii is to sacrifice his individual pleasure and involve himself in the welfare of humanity. But of course the mahápátakii has to sacrifice his life for the welfare of mankind. In addition to that, he will have to do something which will be of permanent benefit for human beings.