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What is karma?

Karma is a central part of the Hindu concept of reincarnation (rebirth after death). According to Hinduism (the main religion of India), after death a person's soul, or spiritual essence, transmigrates (moves) into a new body and is reborn. When the soul transmigrates, it may enter a body that is in a higher or lower state of existence than was lived by the previous person. For example, the soul could become a king, an animal, or even an insect. Where the soul may go next is determined by karma—the thoughts, words, and actions of the person who previously inhabited the soul. If the person's karma was good, the soul will be reborn into a higher state of existence. Conversely, if the karma has been bad, the soul will inhabit a lower state.

Further Information: "Karma." Electric Library. [Online] Available

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