Are you confused by “The Torah Foundation?” We do not blame you. We mean no disrespect towards the Jewish religion but rather to, hopefully, make an important point. This issue came to light when visiting a local hospital and noticing a “dedication brick” from The Karma Foundation. As Hindus, we immediately thought, “How wonderful! A caring group of Hindus (or Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs--cults of Hinduism). Much to our chagrin, the so-called “Karma Foundation” was established by several Jews. So, a query was sent out to wonder if these Jews would be offended if a Hindu group started a foundation called “The Torah Foundation.” The following is the surprising answer:
I am sorry that you would take offense at the name of our charitable foundation. In selecting the name, we truncated our family name Karmazin. We also believe that the good actions and deeds of our foundation cause a cycle of positive effects. Karma is a word in common usage and can be found in any English language dictionary. You would certainly not offend us if you started a foundation to do good works and named it the Torah Foundation or any other name you would like.
These statements are worthy of introspection. First, with a few cursory inquires, many Jews would be very upset over the Hindu use of “The Torah Foundation.” The fact that those at The Karma Foundation would not even consider the sentiments of those within their own religion is very telling of an inherent egoism. Second, is the confusion of truncating the name Karmazin and then attempting to define the Sanskrit/Hindu law of Karma. Thirdly, yes, Karma is a word in common usage and can be found in any English language dictionary. What is the point? From Webster’s: “Karma [Sanskrit] In Hinduism and Buddhism, the whole ethical consequence of one’s acts … .” Why the deception in alluding to Karma meaning something else?
Sadly like the abuse of many other Sanskrit/Hindu terms, many are simply using these sacred Hindu terms to their own advantage and redefinition. Sanskrit, by definition, is: “The ancient Aryan [noble] language of the Hindus.” In reality, every Sanskrit term is a reference to the Hindu religion (or related cult). Due to the thoughtless theft of many Sanskrit/Hindu terms, there are many who falsely believe that, for example, Yoga is just another form of exercise; a Guru is any expert; a Mantra is any repetitive chant and a Swami is a fortune-teller.
Because of the active pursuit to deny the Hindu religion, the entire popular “yoga movement” is a fraudulent business. Even Christians and Jews have entered this deception by stealing the Sanskrit/Hindu word “yoga” and recreating so-called “Christian Yoga” and “Jewish Yoga.” See: www.christianyoga.com www.torahyoga.com Not only is this theft of Hinduism bad enough, but this thoughtless mentality also demonstrates the shallow nature of such Christians and Jews. Are there no Christian or Jewish practices that are sufficient to fill one’s spiritual needs?
From a Hindu point of view, the Karma Foundation is a very bad Karma foundation. Jewish people, especially, should be well aware of the evil attempts to redefine the Jewish people and their religion. Unbeknownst to the founders of the Karma Foundation they are not only insulting Hindus but also falling into a long-held stereotype against Jews. Are there no words in the Jewish Faith for charity?