Karma

For Buddhism, as in Hinduism, this is the moral law of cause and effect. People build up karma (both good and bad) as a result of their actions. This then determines the state of existence to which one is reborn after birth. In Buddhism, the different levels can include hells, humans or animals in this world, or one of several heavens.

Sanskrit; literally, "action"; universal law of cause and effect which governs rebirth and the world of samsara.

Action. The law of action and reaction. the fruits of the action. See pages on the law of Karma & on reincarnation.