What is karma in Hindu belief?

Karma in Hindu belief refers to the law of cause and effect, which posits that an individual's actions—whether good or bad—have consequences that determine their future fate. This principle underscores the idea that one's current circumstances and future experiences are shaped by past actions. In this perspective, ethical behavior and moral decisions are crucial, as they can lead to positive outcomes in this life or future reincarnations. This belief encourages individuals to act righteously and mindfully, as every action contributes to their karmic journey.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of karma. The concept of heaven and hell relates to the afterlife in various religions but does not encompass the broader implications of actions and consequences in one's life cycle. A ritual cleansing process is more aligned with practices to purify oneself physically or spiritually rather than the overarching moral framework that karma describes. Lastly, while sacred texts in Hinduism inform beliefs and practices, they are not the definition of karma itself. Karma is fundamentally about the interconnectedness of actions and their repercussions, making it a core tenet in understanding ethics and morality in Hindu thought.