cause and effect; karma
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
cause and effect; the relationship between cause and result
Used in philosophical, scientific, and everyday contexts to describe the logical relationship between why something happens (cause) and what happens (result).
Cause-and-effect relationships are the foundation of scientific research.
There is a direct causal relationship between these two events.
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Relationships of mutual cause and effect are often extremely complex.
noun
karma; retribution; the Buddhist concept of cause and effect across lifetimes
A core concept in Buddhist philosophy indicating that present circumstances are determined by past actions (previous lives), and future circumstances by present actions. Often carries moral implications of reward for good and punishment for evil.
Buddhism emphasizes karma and retribution: good is rewarded with good, evil is rewarded with evil.
He believes that his current life circumstances are caused by the karma of previous lives.
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The cycle of karma never fails, and retribution is certain.