I don’t feel the idea of karma is cruel because a true Hindu would not pass that kind of judgment on a beggar in the street. They would know that we all have gone through or will go through the same troubles in order to reach spiritual enlightenment because we are all imperfect and need to experience soul-perfecting hardships. It is perfect justice. It is each soul taking responsibility for his own destiny. Believing in Jesus to wipe away all sin sounds like a much better way, but its not about what sounds easier. The path you follow has to be about what you really believe to be true.
And to many Hindus, believing in the Holy spirit represented by Jesus is not the “wrong path” and it is not the “wrong path” to me either. When all souls are enlightened enough they will see that the Holy Spirit is “The Way” as Jesus said he was. But it is a struggle. And sure the Bible says you cant get to the Kingdom of God through your own efforts but that is because the world you live in is created by God and every chance you have to take a step toward Him was given to you by God. And Hinduism is all about being humble (see the Sermon on the Mount) and realizing that this is all an illusion and God is real.
Sanity, I hope this helps you see that we are not on two opposing sides. We are not that different, you and me and I wish you well.

– Tread

I appreciate your comment and respect your opinions/beliefs.

I think that we could make a case for the concept of Original Sin as being cruel. Essentially you are using fear as a way to coerce people into believing.

ie – you are bad and going to hell if you don’t believe or convert and there is no thing you can do about it.

Kinda shady don’t you think?

A God worthy of being a God would not have to resort to such tactics.

And is karma really that different than Christian teachings? Jesus himself said “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Sounds like karma to me!

Thanks again!

And in relation to the Beatles and the concept of Karma, when John Lennon won his case saving him from deportation, on the steps of the courthouse he was asked if he was bitter toward the US Gov. for the ordeal, and he said “No, because I feel time wounds all heels (villains)” — Absolutely brilliant, I think.

The book The Gospel According to The Beatles by Steve Turner focuses primarily on George and John’s spiritual paths and influences. Turner delves into John’s emotional struggles and Yoko’s influence on him, but it’s an interesting read.

So, thanks to Paul, Ringo, George and John for traveling the path to Transcendental Meditation before me, for making it such a well know thing, for continuing to do it all these years, and, especially, now for coming out to support the teaching of TM in schools. God bless you all.