is determined by a person's deeds and knowledge. Chandogya Upanishad 5.10.7 distinguishes between good birth such as birth in a spiritual family, i.e., (brahmin caste) or an evil birth, such as birth as a dog or hog.) Thus, the doctrine of karma comes to explain why different life forms manifest, into widely various levels of biological development such as characterization into different species from plants to various types of animals, and to even differences between members of the same species, such as humans. Swami Nikilananda comments: As the rivers, following their different courses, ultimately merge in the ocean and give up their names and forms, so the devotees, losing their names and forms, become one with the Supreme Reality.<ref>[The Bhagavad Gita, Indian Sacred Text], By Swami Nikhilananda, Chapter 4,9, 18, Ramakrishna -Vivekananda Centre Press, 2004</ref> Relation between astrology and karma Charles Keyes, professor emeritus at the University of Washington and E. Valentine Daniel, professor of anthropology at Columbia University state that many Hindus believe that heavenly bodies, including the planets, have an influence throughout the life of a human being, and these planetary influences are the "fruit of karma." The Navagraha, planetary deities, including Shani (Saturn), are considered subordinate to Ishvara (i.e., the Supreme Being) and are believed by many to assist in the administration of justice. Thus, these planets can influence earthly life. Such planetary influences are believed by many to be measurable using astrological methods including Jyotiṣa, the Hindu system of astrology. Other uses in Hinduism Other uses include such expressions such as "ugra-karma", meaning bitter, unwholesome labor. It has also been argued that Karma has a role in Hindu society as a whole. When one abides by their caste duty good Karma is earned and vice versa; and the Karma one collects is reflected in the next life as movement within the Caste system. The promise of upward mobility appealed to people, and was made plausible through Karma. This effectively "tamed" the lower castes into passive acceptance of the status quo. Thus, the Karma doctrine discouraged actual social mobility. See also Fate Just-world fallacy Karma in Buddhism Hindu answers to the problem of evil Problem of evil Reincarnation and Hinduism Wyrd References Further reading (English translation of Der Hinduismus: Geschichte und Gegenwart'', Verlag C. H. Beck, 1998). External links Hindu philosophical concepts Vedanta