I think the point of this is that it's -not- Hinduism. And my beliefs aren't fully Vedanta: that's just the closest 'label' I've ever seen for them.
I also think it's interesting that we didn't read that page the same way. Maybe because I don't have the background in the socio-political aspects of it that you do (I avoid those whenever possible: they tend to be all about power instead of empowerment, and just depress me :) ). I read that as absolutely the total OPPOSITE of 'you are where you belong' and 'you just have to deal'. I treat it as "you have total responsibility for your own life, and you have the option to release your conditioning and make YOUR choices for YOUR life." There's no big horrible influence, whether that be the 'devil' or some power-based interpretation of 'karma' that forces your actions. You always have -choice- to focus on that which is compassionate, loving, inspiring, and courageous -- that which moves towards growth.
no subject
I also think it's interesting that we didn't read that page the same way. Maybe because I don't have the background in the socio-political aspects of it that you do (I avoid those whenever possible: they tend to be all about power instead of empowerment, and just depress me :) ). I read that as absolutely the total OPPOSITE of 'you are where you belong' and 'you just have to deal'. I treat it as "you have total responsibility for your own life, and you have the option to release your conditioning and make YOUR choices for YOUR life." There's no big horrible influence, whether that be the 'devil' or some power-based interpretation of 'karma' that forces your actions. You always have -choice- to focus on that which is compassionate, loving, inspiring, and courageous -- that which moves towards growth.
And me, I'm all about the 'growth' thing. :)