Many people do not believe in karma, as Azhar points out. But many people also do. So perhaps I can answer this aspect of Mysticdoubts question. Karma can be beaten, we can cut the ties and redress the balance, it does not always have to be our destiny. I have seen many occasions where the crossroads of karma is reached and with help and good judgement the crisis is averted and the karma simply is paid and the person moves on in a new direction, free of debt
p.s.
You know the funny thing is if you search these terms on google lol you get a direct link to this thread! How sweet is that lol!

<waves at any newcomers!>