What is karma in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs?

In Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, karma is understood as the law of moral cause and effect. This concept suggests that every action, whether good or bad, produces consequences that will affect the individual in this life or in future lives. It emphasizes personal responsibility, as individuals are believed to create their own destiny through their actions, thoughts, and intentions. This is a foundational principle in both Hinduism and Buddhism, where understanding karma helps practitioners navigate ethical behavior and make choices that align with their spiritual goals.

In these traditions, good actions lead to positive outcomes, while harmful actions result in negative consequences. This cyclical process influences the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), highlighting the interconnectedness of actions and their repercussions across lifetimes. Therefore, karma is not merely a passive observation but an active force that individuals engage with in their spiritual journeys.

The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of karma. The concept of karma does not specifically refer to religious rituals or places of worship, nor does it denote the essence of a soul. Instead, it relates directly to the ethical dimension that governs moral actions and their eventual outcomes.