A concept in Hinduism and Buddhism referring to the cycle of cause and effect, where one's actions determine their future fate.

Origin: The word 'कर्म' (karma) originates from the ancient Sanskrit language, derived from the root verb 'कृ' (kṛ), meaning 'to do' or 'to make'. It has been used in Vedic scriptures, where it primarily referred to ritual actions. Historical and Cultural Context: First attested in the ancient Indian Vedic texts around 1500 BCE, 'कर्म' was associated with ritualistic activities and duties prescribed by religious texts. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass the broader philosophical concept of action and its consequences. Evolution: As Sanskrit evolved into classical Sanskrit, 'कर्म' maintained its significance in Hindu philosophy and was adopted into Buddhist and Jain traditions. Cognates can be found in various Indian languages, reflecting the widespread influence of Sanskrit. Modern Relevance: Today, 'karma' is widely recognized beyond its religious origins, often used in secular contexts to express the idea that one's actions have inevitable consequences. It is popular in Western cultures as a concept of moral causation.

A surprising fun fact about 'कर्म' is that it has become so ingrained in popular culture that it appears frequently in movies, songs, and literature, often with the saying 'what goes around, comes around'.