Why are "new age" westerners so easily deceived by notions of "karma" and other Indian philosophies?

Question

Why are we beset in the West with new age mystics who preach "karma" and other absurd Indian philosophies? Why do they not understand that the purpose of "karma" was to justify the racist caste system in Indian, which is also true of all related Indian "mystic" philosophy? EG: karma tells us that we can treat "untouchables" in the worst way imaginable because of the fact that they were born "untouchable", which is evidence that they committed horrific sins in their previous lives and deserve punishment in this life. In additon, karma tells us that a blind man or one in a wheelchair is not deserving of our help because he would not be there unless it was the will and punishment of God through Karma. Why do people not understand that this concept, as the central piece of Indian philosophy, was done to justify the caste system? If new age fools want to believe in reincarnation, etc, why don't they use a word other than Karma? How can anyone be fooled by a fraud like Deepak Chopra?

Answer 1

wow you mixed that whole thing up buddy. I understand why you may think that, but Karma is how they think they will reach moksha. I'm not even going to go in depth because there's no use. But yes, i also believe karma plays an important role in the hinduism caste system, but certainly not the whole reason of justification.

And another thing, karma isn't only a hinduism thing, Buddhists believe it as well. There aren't any untouchables if you're buddhist... In fact, if you went a little farther down the timeline you would have found out that one of the main reasons hindus converted to buddhism was because of a chance to stop being an "untouchable".

Answer 2

The underlying principle makes universal sense - that you reap what you sow. That is all that matters and appeals to people. All religions have been abused for the purpose of gain, so your argument is moot.