In which context is the term 'karma' used in Hinduism and Buddhism?

The term 'karma' in both Hinduism and Buddhism is fundamentally linked to the concept of moral action and the consequences that arise from those actions. Specifically, karma refers to the idea that every action, whether good or bad, has a corresponding effect on an individual's future circumstances, shaping their experiences in this life and subsequent lives. This principle underlines the moral responsibility individuals have for their actions, as good deeds can lead to favorable outcomes (such as a better rebirth), while negative actions may lead to suffering or unfavorable circumstances.

In Hinduism, karma is intertwined with the belief in samsara, or the cycle of rebirth, where one's actions directly influence their state in the next life. Similarly, in Buddhism, karma is essential in understanding the path to enlightenment and how one's actions can either pave the way toward suffering or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the essence of karma. While meditation and purification rituals are important practices in both religions, they relate to spiritual development and cleanliness rather than the direct moral implications of actions. Similarly, the concept of a spiritual leader does not correlate with the systematic cause-and-effect principle represented by karma. Therefore, the correct choice effectively represents the essence of karma as a guiding force