Karma refers to the belief in a cause-and-effect relationship between a person's actions and the consequences that follow. It suggests that good deeds lead to positive outcomes, while bad actions result in negative repercussions. This concept is commonly associated with several Eastern religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, where it is viewed as influencing one's future lives based on current behavior.
The word "karma" comes from the Sanskrit word "कर्म" (kárma), which means "action" or "deed." This term has been used in various religious texts and philosophies, particularly within Hindu and Buddhist traditions, to denote the actions that individuals take throughout their lives.