Fundas of the Karmic Law

As Hindus, Indians strongly believe in the concept of Karma. Until about a year ago, I wasn't sure what Karma actually meant and did not believe in the existence of this rather mathematical esoteric equation. I don't understand religion; I also don't follow blind faith. But over the course of two years, I've come to some basic conclusions forming my own belief system. Not without a crazy amount of resistance and questioning...

We all know people who live blissfully ignorant happy lives - under the burden of corruption, murder, treachery, lies, or simply disdain. If we were to do onto others as we want done onto ourselves, this then would eliminate any existence of the resolution of our karmic debts in one lifetime. To truly understand Karma, for all the avoidance of religion, the greater Truth lies in the Bhagwad Gita. 

The first appearance of Karma comes in the Bhagwad Gita. To truly understand the sow and reap mechanism of words, deeds, actions, you need to accept that there was life before this one, and there will, in all likelihood, be one after, the quality of which, to some extent, is determined by your past and present karma! Let's assume, for now, that this is true. 

Here's my quick understanding:

1. You only control your own Karma

You cant know the past and future details of other peoples choices, nor can you understand the state their life is in. You can only determine your choices and hence your own Karma. One of the biggest mistakes I've made is look at people and wonder, why me and not them? 

2. You will pay for your past

You may not understand why something is happening to you, but know that there are lessons to be learnt and therein is the greatest secret. Learn your lessons, and move on.... pay your karmic debts. Acceptance and growth, versus resistance is the way to simply live through everything that comes you to in life. Lessons are not easy, and often hit you hardest, till you learn them and allow them to change something in your core (Soul?)

3. Loving Kindness & Forgiveness

You want to beat the law of Karma for things you may have said or done? Start today! Whatever has to manifest will manifest itself but you can afford some control -the seeds of love, mercy and forgiveness will reap fruits for you here as well, in this life and maybe the ones that follow. This is possibly the only way to negate previous bad karma. 

Be good. 

That still remains the bottom line. And somewhere the Gita also says that detach yourself from the consequences, but that is for discussion on another day.